ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy on Tuesday celebrated ‘Navy Day’ to honour the 1965 War heroes who fought against a much bigger adversary with absolute courage and sacrificed their lives to defend the motherland.
Pakistan Navy on the day recalled the valour of its naval warriors during the 1965 War and honoured the enduring legacy of courage, professional excellence and sacrifice carried forward by successive generations in defence of the motherland, the military’s media affairs wing, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement on Tuesday.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, in his Navy Day message, stated that historic Operation SOMNATH demonstrated how a resolute maritime force, driven by courage and conviction, could achieve decisive effects despite numerical and material constraints, according to the statement.
#ISPR Official Press Release
Pakistan Navy commemorated Navy Day, recalling the valour of its naval warriors during the 1965 War and honouring the enduring legacy of courage, professional excellence and sacrifice carried forward by successive generations in defence of the… pic.twitter.com/3vGzgGxoin
— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) September 8, 2026
He said that the legacy of courage and conviction established during Operation SOMNATH continues to endure, as reflected once again in the Pakistan Navy’s successful deterrence against the Indian Navy during Marka-e-Haq.
It said that Navy Day commenced with recitation of the Holy Quran and special prayers for martyrs.
Chief of the Naval Staff laid a floral wreath at the Martyrs Monument, Naval Headquarters, Islamabad, and met with the families of martyrs, acknowledging their sacrifices and resilience.
Navy Day commemorations were held across the country.
On the day, the Pakistan Navy destroyed significant shore installations, including an Indian radar station and a radio beacon at Dwarka, and inflicted irreparable damage to Indian pride.
During the 1965 war, Pakistan Navy submarine Ghazi, emerged as a formidable deterrent, symbolising Pakistan’s operational superiority and raising the stakes for the enemy harboring hostile intentions towards the homeland.
President, PM honour Pakistan Navy heroes
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the officers, sailors and civilians of Pakistan Navy on the occasion of Pakistan Navy Day.
In their separate messages, they expressed confidence that the Pakistan Navy will continue to uphold its proud traditions and discharge its responsibilities with courage, honour and distinction.
“The daring Pakistan Navy Operation SOMNATH against the heavily guarded Indian Naval coastal station Dwarka on the night of 7/8 September 1965 reminds us of our Navy’s glorious past. This operation was not only a demonstration of the bravery and tenacity of Pakistan Navy but also… pic.twitter.com/qThyr8fe29
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) September 8, 2026
President Asif Ali Zardari said the daring Pakistan Navy Operation SOMNATH against the heavily guarded Indian naval coastal station Dwarka during the night of 7th and 8th of September in 1965 reminds us of our Navy’s glorious past.
He said this operation was not only a demonstration of the bravery and tenacity of the Pakistan Navy but also laid the foundations of a formidable force endowed with self-belief and unwavering commitment to strike terror in the heart of the enemy and bolster the country’s maritime defence.
READ ALSO: Pakistan Air Force Observes Martyrs’ Day, Honours Fallen Air Warriors
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said 8th September serves as an inspirational reminder of the nerve, valour and grit demonstrated by the Pakistan Navy during the 1965 war.
On Pakistan Navy Day, I salute the officers, sailors and civilian personnel of the Pakistan Navy, and pay solemn tribute to our Shuhada and veterans.
The valour displayed during Operation Dwarka and by submarine GHAZI in 1965 remains a golden chapter in our history – an enduring…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 8, 2026
He said during Marka-e-Haq last year, the Pakistan Navy demonstrated the same spirit and operational preparedness that deterred a numerically superior enemy from undertaking any act of aggression at sea.
