Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday paid tribute to the Pakistan Navy during a visit to the Pakistan Naval Dockyard in Karachi, acknowledging its critical role in safeguarding maritime sovereignty and thwarting a potential threat posed by the Indian aircraft carrier Vikrant during the recent conflict.
Briefed by naval officials on strategic operations and recent engagements, the prime minister praised the navy’s state of readiness, operational prowess, and coordination with the other armed forces. He said Pakistan’s maritime forces were fully prepared to respond decisively to any aggression from India.
In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz revealed that India’s aircraft carrier Vikrant had advanced within 400 nautical miles of Pakistan’s waters but was forced to retreat. “After facing significant losses inflicted by the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Army elsewhere, Vikrant turned back, sensing the Pakistan Navy’s readiness for a strong counter-response,” he stated.
Recalling the navy’s historic role in defending the nation, the premier said the Pakistan Navy remains fully capable of conducting high-intensity operations, similar to the renowned ‘Operation Dwarka’ in 1965. He lauded the navy’s unwavering vigilance, layered seaward defense strategy, and its role in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of maritime trade.
“Strong coordination among the armed forces is a golden chapter in the country’s history,” the prime minister added, citing precision strikes by ground forces using Fatah missiles and other advanced weapons systems.
He also applauded the navy for embracing technological advancements over the past 15 years. “I congratulate the Pakistan Navy for the remarkable progress made through indigenous technologies,” he said.
Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to peace, the prime minister said the country would deliver a stronger response if India violated the ceasefire in the future. “Pakistan stands prepared to defend itself against any aggression from land, air, or sea,” he emphasized.
On the diplomatic front, PM Shehbaz called U.S. President Donald Trump a “man of peace” for his role in defusing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. “President Trump played a significant role in averting war between Pakistan and India and expressed a sincere desire to help resolve the Kashmir dispute,” he said.
He also thanked the leaders of Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and China for their diplomatic support and endorsement of Pakistan’s stance, including calls for an independent and transparent investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack. The prime minister questioned why India had resisted international calls for a neutral inquiry into the incident.
Prime Minister Shehbaz was accompanied by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu. Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf received and briefed the delegation upon arrival at the dockyard.
