- Marka-e-Haq showed mastery of Pak Navy operations: Naval Commander.
- Says PNS Khaibar, Hangor subs mark a major modernization milestone.
- reaffirms determination to defend the country’s seas and maritime borders.
ISLAMABAD: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf said the Pakistan Navy was prepared to target an Indian aircraft carrier under Marka-e-Haq, a stance that forced the Indian Navy to remain confined to its perceived safe haven.
He made these remarks while addressing the commissioning ceremony of the second PN Milgem Class Corvette, PNS Khaibar, into the Pakistan Navy, stressing the importance of a strong, balanced and technologically advanced naval force.
Referring to the Marka-e-Haq, he said the conduct and mastery of naval operations during the episode sent a clear message that any attempt to challenge Pakistan’s maritime interests would be met with an appropriate and decisive response.
In May 2025, Pakistan and India engaged in a military confrontation sparked by an April attack on tourists in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which New Delhi blamed on Islamabad without any investigation.
In response to the Indian aggression, Pakistan’s armed forces launched a large-scale retaliatory operation, dubbed “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos” during Marka-e-Haq, targeting several Indian military targets across multiple regions.
Pakistan shot down six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, and dozens of drones. After at least 87 hours, the war between the two nuclear-armed nations ended on May 10 with a cease-fire agreement brokered by the United States.
Highlighting Pakistan’s geostrategic position, the navy chief said the country’s location along vital maritime trade and energy corridors necessitates a potent navy to protect national interests and ensure secure Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs).
Admiral Ashraf further said that the Pakistan Navy is being equipped with advanced platforms and niche technologies that enable it to effectively target critical infrastructure, vulnerabilities and naval assets of any adversary.
He noted that the induction of advanced platforms such as PNS Khaibar along with the upcoming Hangor class submarines represents a significant milestone in the modernization of the Navy, increasing its operational flexibility, combat capability and strategic reach.
Concluding his speech, the Navy Chief conveyed his best wishes to the crew of PNS Khaibar and reaffirmed the Pakistan Navy’s resolve to defend the country’s sovereign waters and uphold its responsibility as the guardian of maritime borders.
