Pakistan Navy capable of guarding maritime interests: Naval Chief

KARACHI: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi has said that Pakistan Navy is fully capable and vigilantly guarding the maritime interests.

In his message on the occasion of Naval Day, he said Pakistan Navy is recognized as a potent naval force in the region and a key partner in international naval collaborative maritime security initiatives.

Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi said Pakistan Navy has also launched its own initiative of Regional Maritime Security Patrols to provide a secure maritime environment.

He said as we commemorate the spirit of Navy Day, all ranks of Pakistan Navy reiterate solidarity with their Kashmiri brethren and denounce the blatant annexation of Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said Pakistan will continue to support just struggle till the resolution of Kashmir issue.

He said with the realization of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, Pakistan Navy is aware of its growing responsibilities and role in its success and security of Gwadar Port.

The Naval Chief said Pakistan Navy in collaboration with China Geological Survey is engaged in mapping and exploration of offshore hydrocarbon resources.

Naval Day is being observed on Tuesday to honour the heroes of 1965 War. The day is observed to acknowledge the sacrifices and spirit of our Naval heroes who epitomized grit, courage and valour during the war.

The day reminds us of the heroic deeds and daring achievements of our naval forces and martyrs who fought gallantly and humbled a much bigger adversary, marking a golden chapter in the naval history.

On the night of 7-8th September 1965, a flotilla comprising seven ships of Pakistan Navy, bombarded Indian port Dwarka in operation code-named ‘Somnath’.