Pakistan is celebrating Navy Day today with national fervor and pride, honoring the valiant service of the Pakistan Navy and commemorating the historic Operation Dwarka during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War.
Every year on September 8, Pakistan remembers the remarkable performance of the Pakistan Navy during the 1965 war, where they stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Army and Air Force to defend the nation.
The 8 of September is particularly significant as it marks the night of the daring Operation Dwarka, where the Pakistan Navy launched a surprise attack on the Indian Naval base at Dwarka.
This operation, codenamed “Operation Somnath,” involved ships like PNS Babur, Khyber, Badr, Jahangir, Alamgir, Shahjahan, and Tipu Sultan. The attack, which lasted just four minutes, resulted in the complete destruction of the Indian naval base, setting it ablaze. This decisive strike, carried out 120 miles deep into Indian territory, dealt a significant blow to the Indian Navy.
The Pakistan Navy’s bravery and prowess during the 1965 war, particularly the successful defense of the country’s maritime borders and the containment of the Indian Navy within its own waters, were crucial to Pakistan’s overall defense strategy.
Today’s celebration of Navy Day reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the Pakistan Navy to safeguarding the country’s maritime boundaries. Their vigilance and preparedness ensure the security of Pakistan’s maritime interests.
The success of Operation Dwarka, which crippled the Indian Navy’s plans to attack Karachi and resulted in the loss of two Indian officers and 13 sailors, remains a testament to the Pakistan Navy’s capabilities. The operation also destroyed the Indian base’s runway and infrastructure, turning it into a pile of rubble.
The Pakistan Navy’s reputation as a formidable force continues to this day. In March 2019, they successfully detected and tracked an Indian submarine attempting to enter Pakistani waters, forcing it to retreat after a stern warning.
