PAKISTAN NAVY
The Pakistan Navy (Urdu: پاک بحریہ, Pak Bahr'ya) (PN) is the naval warfare/service branch of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Pakistan Navy is responsible for Pakistan's 1,046 kilometres (650 mi) coastline along the Arabian Sea and the defense of important civilian harbors and military bases. Navy day is celebrated on September 8 in commemoration of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.[1]
Pakistan Navy's current and primary role is to protect country's economical and military interests at home and abroad, executing the foreign and defence policies of Pakistan Government through the exercise of military effect, diplomatic activities and other activities in support of these objectives.[2] A for the 21st century, the Pakistan Navy also focus on global expeditionary operations, and played a vital role in the establishment of Pakistan Antarctic Programme[3].[4] As of 2011, there are 11 combatant ships in Pakistan Navy, including 30 aircraft, 20 helicopters, dock landing ship, 4 minehunters, 12 missile boats, 12 hovercraft (used by Marines), 11 combatant frigates, 5 submarines, 8 auxiliary ships, a research vessel, and Missile guided vessel.
The Pakistan Navy is also supported by Pakistan Coast Guard, Pakistan Marines, and the Maritime Security Agency, the paramilitary division of Pakistan Navy.[5] As of 2011, Pakistan Navy has approximately numbered 25,000 active duty regulars, 5,000 in Navy reserves.[5] In addition, there are 2,000 regular reserves in Maritime Security Agency, 2,500 active duty regulars in Coast Guards, and 1,200 active duty members in Marines.[5] In its recent times, the Pakistan Navy is currently undergoing extensive modernisation and expansion as part of its in the War on Terror. Since 2001, the Pakistan Navy has increased and expanded its operational scope and has been given greater national and international responsibility in countering threat of sea-based global terrorism, drug smuggling and trafficking issues.[6] Since 2004, Pakistan Navy became a member of the primarily NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Combined Task Force – 150 (CTF-150).[6]
The Constitution of Pakistan has allowed President of Pakistan as the civilian Commander-in-Chief. The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), by statute a four star admiral, appointed by the President with the consultation and confirmation needed from the Prime minister of Pakistan. The Chief of Naval Staff is subordinate to the civilian Defence Minister and Secretary Defence, commands the Navy.
FLAG OF PAKISTAN NAVY
GALLERY PHOTOS
