ISLAMABAD, September 27 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday congratulated the Pakistan Navy on the successful first live weapon firing by its newly inducted PNS/M Hangor submarine, describing the milestone as a demonstration of the Navy’s operational readiness and growing maritime defence capabilities.
The submarine successfully engaged a long-range target with an anti-ship cruise missile during its maiden live weapon firing in the North Arabian Sea.
PM Shehbaz said the successful engagement of the target with pinpoint accuracy demonstrated the exceptional operational preparedness, professional expertise and combat capability of the Pakistan Navy’s submarine force.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, he reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the armed forces remain fully prepared to counter any challenge to national security.
The prime minister also commended Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and personnel involved in the induction and operationalisation of PNS/M Hangor.
President Zardari, in a separate statement, praised the Pakistan Navy for successfully conducting the submarine’s first live weapon firing and highlighted its enhanced maritime defence capabilities.
According to the President Secretariat, the president said the Pakistan Navy, equipped with modern combat capabilities, was playing a vital role in safeguarding the country’s maritime frontiers and contributing to regional peace and security.
President Zardari also commended the leadership of Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, saying the continued strengthening of naval defence capabilities reflected the country’s resolve to protect its territorial waters.
The president had attended the commissioning ceremony of the Hangor submarine as chief guest in Sanya, China, on April 30 this year.
The latest test marked a significant operational milestone for the newly inducted submarine and Pakistan Navy’s expanding subsurface warfare capabilities.