President Asif Ali Zardari, who was chief guest on the occasion, described the commissioning of HANGOR as a historic milestone in Pakistan Navy’s modernization, affirming Pakistan’s resolve to maintain a robust, balanced and credible defence posture.

He stated that Pakistan is fully capable of defending its sovereignty, protecting its maritime interests and ensuring the security of its economic lifelines.

Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf said HANGOR Class Submarines armed with state-of-the-art weapons, advanced sensors and Air Independent Propulsion will be key in preserving maritime order and stability in the region. He said these submarines will play a pivotal role in deterring aggression and ensuring security of vital Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region.

The commissioning of 1st HANGOR Class Submarine marks another chapter in the time-tested and enriching friendship between Pakistan and China.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir have congratulated the entire nation and the Pakistan Navy on achieving this historic milestone.