Today, Pakistan is celebrating Navy Day with national pride, honoring the brave service of the Pakistan Navy and commemorating the historic Operation Dwarka from the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War.
September 8th is a significant date as it recalls the remarkable performance of the Pakistan Navy during the 1965 conflict, when it worked alongside the Army and Air Force to defend the nation.
The night of September 8 is particularly notable for the daring Operation Dwarka, a surprise attack launched by the Pakistan Navy on the Indian naval base at Dwarka.
Operation Somnath, as it was codenamed, involved several ships including PNS Babur, Khyber, Badr, Jahangir, Alamgir, Shahjahan, and Tipu Sultan. In just four minutes, this attack resulted in the total destruction of the Indian naval base, setting it ablaze. This decisive strike, carried out 120 miles into Indian territory, significantly impacted the Indian Navy.
The Pakistan Navy’s valor during the 1965 war, particularly in defending the country’s maritime borders and containing the Indian Navy within its own waters, was crucial to Pakistan’s defense strategy.
Today’s Navy Day celebrations reaffirm the Pakistan Navy’s unwavering commitment to protecting the country’s maritime boundaries. Their vigilance and preparedness ensure the security of Pakistan’s maritime interests.
The success of Operation Dwarka, which disrupted the Indian Navy’s plans to attack Karachi and led to the loss of two Indian officers and 13 sailors, highlights the Pakistan Navy’s capabilities. The operation also destroyed the base’s runway and infrastructure, leaving it in ruins.
The Pakistan Navy’s reputation as a formidable force endures. In March 2019, they successfully detected and tracked an Indian submarine attempting to enter Pakistani waters, forcing it to retreat after a stern warning.
