By Maryam Chaudhry
Pakistan armed forces are the pride of Pakistan. They are bravely defending our borders and are always ready to sacrifice their beings for it. On 06 September 1965, when India waged full-scale war against Pakistan by attacking across the international border, swift and decisive counter-attack by the gallant armed forces of Pakistan successfully defeated the enemy’s plans of capturing our land.
17-day war of 1965 displayed unwavering courage of our defence forces. During the war, Pakistan Navy remained on offensive mode and emerged victorious against Indian Navy. Every year 8th September is observed as “Navy Day” in order to pay tribute to the valor and war achievements of Pakistan Navy in 1965 and the role it played in safeguarding the country’s maritime borders.
On September 8, 1965, Pakistan Navy launched Operation Dwarka, a bold and strategic assault on the Indian naval base at Dwarka. This operation was a pivotal moment in the Indo-Pak War of 1965 and showcased the bravery and tactical acumen of Pakistan Navy. The raid on Dwarka was not just a show of military might but a strategic maneuver aimed at disrupting Indian naval operations and diverting attention from the primary theater of conflict.
On September 7, 1965, fleet of seven ships comprising PNS BABUR, PNS KHAIBAR, PNS BADR, PNS JAHANGIR, PNS ALAMGIR, PNS SHAHJAHAN and PNS TIPU SULTAN, were on normal war patrol when they were tasked to attack key targets in Indian coastal city; Dwarka, hence named Operation Dwarka code named ‘SOMNATH‘. The only submarine of its kind PNS Ghazi that Pakistan had at that time was also deployed off Bombay and was assigned to closely watch Bombay harbor which was crowded with Indian warships including the aircraft carrier Vikrant. The blockade by PNS/M Ghazi was so effective that no Indian warship dared to challenge it and hence the flotilla of PN Ships successfully attacked Indian Port city Dwarka.
The successful blockade and terror that PNS/M Ghazi had inflicted upon Indian Navy gave an easy way to PN fleet. A total of 350 rounds were fired on different targets including the radar station at Dwarka which was the primary objective of the operation as it was guiding Indian bombers to attack Pakistani territory. After the destruction of Indian Naval Radar station, Indian Airforce had to suspend its operations. It took just 04 minutes for PN Ships to bombard the set targets and achieve desired goals without any considerable resistance from the enemy.
Pakistani naval forces executed their mission with precision and safely and proudly arrived back at their patrol areas. The operation effectively crippled India’s coastal communications, contributing to the strategic advantage of Pakistani forces during the conflict.
The achievements of the Pakistan Navy in 1965 were not limited to Operation Dwarka. The Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s maritime boundaries and their role in coordinating with other branches of the military were crucial throughout the war. The successful defense against naval incursions and the effective use of maritime assets highlighted the Navy’s strategic importance and operational capabilities.
Navy Day is thus a day of reflection and is more than a historical remembrance; it is a celebration of national resilience and military excellence. It underscores the bravery of naval personnel, their significant contributions to national defense and unflinching sense of serving nation beyond the call of duty. Celebrating this day serve as a reminder of Pakistan Navy’s enduring role in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests and its readiness to face any challenge. The valor demonstrated in the 1965 war remains a source of inspiration and pride for the entire country.
