ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Navy successfully maintained its deterrence during the recent Pakistan-India conflict. In addition, the Pakistan Navy successfully protected all trade activities that occurred during this time.
“From the night of 4th/5th May, Pakistan Navy was vigilantly watching the Indian Navy aircraft P8I, a long-range maritime patrol aircraft”, a defence source told The News on condition of not being named. “If Naval deterrence fails, it leads to a hot war causing enormous damage”, the source said.
The Pakistan Navy is significantly smaller when compared to the Indian Navy. Regarding budget, the Indian Navy allocates up to three times the annual budget compared to the yearly budget of the Pakistan Navy, the source told The News.
When naval assets suffer damage or are affected, it results in numerous losses in both equipment and personnel. A typical small navy ship accommodates three to four hundred individuals.
The Pakistan Navy deserves recognition for successfully safeguarding Pakistan’s entire maritime communications, including all trade routes, despite being significantly smaller in both size and budget compared to the enemy’s navy. Ninety-five percent of our commerce takes place via the ocean.
“In a highly tense wartime scenario, the navy managed to preserve not only its deterrence capability but also the trade,” the source stated. If the trade routes or any ports were blocked (naval blockade), it would have caused unimaginable harm to the nation.
Additionally, the Pakistan Navy located the Indian Navy’s P-8I aircraft — a maritime surveillance plane — well outside its Special Exclusive Zone (SEZ). “This demonstrates the dedication and vigilance of the Navy of Pakistan.
