Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf was also present at the commissioning ceremony, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

President Zardari described the commissioning of HANGOR as a historic milestone in Pakistan Navy’s modernisation, affirming Pakistan’s resolve to maintain a robust, balanced and credible defence posture.

He stated that Pakistan is fully capable of defending its sovereignty, protecting its maritime interests and ensuring the security of its economic lifelines.

Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted that disruptions at critical maritime chokepoints increasingly threaten global trade and energy security, and maintaining a stable, rule-based maritime order demands technologically advanced naval forces.

He stated that HANGOR-class submarines — armed with state-of-the-art weapons, advanced sensors and air-independent propulsion — will be key in preserving maritime order and stability in the region.

These submarines will play a pivotal role in deterring aggression and ensuring the security of vital Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region.

The Naval Chief reiterated that the name HANGOR holds a significant place in our national history.

In 1971, HANGOR became the first submarine since World War II to sink a warship.

PNS/M HANGOR will carry this illustrious legacy forward, as this is an important milestone for the Pakistan Navy that will bolster our maritime defence and modernise our fleet with cutting-edge technology.

The commissioning of the 1st HANGOR-class submarine marks another chapter in the time-tested and enriching friendship between Pakistan and China.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Pakistan Navy and PLA (Navy).

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir have congratulated the entire nation and the Pakistan Navy on achieving this historic milestone.