The Sinking Of INS Khukri - IndoPak War 1965

During 1971 Indo-Pak war, the burden of Pakistan Navy's offensive effort hinged on the small but effective submarine force. PN Submarine HANGOR sailed in the early hours of 22 November 1971 to patrol off the Indian Kathiawar coast under the command of Commander Ahmed Tasnim S.J.

PNS/M Hangor

On 9 Dec, in an effort to locate the evasive enemy, HANGOR extended her patrol northward to investigate some radio transmissions intercepted on her sensors. Two contacts were picked up on passive sonar and were identified as warships. The initial range was 6 to 8 miles. A pursuit of the enemy began but the first attempt to attack these ships failed due to speed disadvantage. The submarine however managed to forecast target ships movement and succeeded in taking up a tactically advantageous position on the path of the patrolling frigates by 1900. At 1957 the submarine fired a down the throat shot with a homing torpedo at the northerly ship from a depth of 40 meters.

Captain Ahmed Tasnim (later Vice Admiral)(a man standing), directing the final stages of the torpedo attack on INS Khukri
Lieutenant Fasih Bokhari - Captain Ahmed Tasnim - Lieutenant A.U. Khan

The torpedo was tracked but no explosion was heard. The second torpedo was therefore fired immediately on the incomming southerly ship and this was followed by a tremendous explosion. The torpedo had found its mark. The other enemy frigate came straight for the submarine when a third torpedo was fired. A distant explosion was heard subsequently and the submarine turned west towards deeper waters for evasion.

INS Khukri

In this spectacular action, INS KHUKRI, the ship of the Squadron Commander of Indian 14th Frigate Sqn was sunk within two minutes after receiving a hit in the magazine where explosives were held. This was the first submarine kill after World War II. 18 Officers and 176 sailors including the Commanding Officer lost their lives. This came as a shattering blow to the Indian Navy. HANGOR’s action demonstrated Pakistan Navy's tactical superiority in sub-surface warfare and after the war even the BBC commentators praised Pakistan Naval effort. Considering the shape, size and age of the ships at its command, they said that the Pakistan Navy had acquitted itself well against the Indian Navy.

COAS and CAS visited Waziristan

Dec 7: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited South W

aziristan Agency today to monitor the progress of Quick Impact Projects. These projects are being undertaken by Pakistan Army, in consultation with local tribes and in coordination with the Civil Administration, for social uplift of the affected areas.

COAS visited Higher Secondary School at Makeen in North Waziristan Agency that was rebuilt jointly by Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force as a gesture of support for the locals who suffered in war against terrorism. Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) inaugurated the school. COAS later performed Earth Breaking of a Model Health facility at Ladha in South Waziristan Agency, being established with the assistance of United Arab Emirate (UAE) Government.

COAS thanked UAE Government for the financial assistance and local population for their whole hearted support. He pledged that Pakistan Army will continue working for peace and social progress of the area.

Earlier on arrival in the area, the COAS and CAS were received by the Corps Commander, Lieutenant General Asif Yasin Malik.

PN ship to participate in Sri Lankan Navy’ 60th anniversary

Dec 7: Pakistan Navy’s ship PNS ZULFIQUAR (F-22P Frigate) reached Colombo on Tuesday to participate in 60th Anniversary celebrations of Sri Lankan Navy. Ship’s band, dressed up in traditional naval uniform, presented melodious tunes as it sailed into Colombo Harbour.

The crew will participate in the various events planned during the stay in Colombo, including Presidential Fleet Review, International Band Fiesta and Sailing Regatta. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir would also visit Colombo to attend the celebrations.

The ship, which is the pioneer Sword Class, was commissioned in Pakistan Navy on July 30, 2009. It is a multi-mission capable ship, fitted with potent weapons like Surface-to-Air and Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Guns, Jammers and Torpedoes. It is capable of carrying ASW Helicopter Z9EC and has modern navigational and communication systems.

Sri Lanka is an important regional country and PN regards cooperation with SLN (Sri Lankan Navy) as of paramount importance. Pakistan Navy enjoys brotherly and cordial relations with

Sri Lanka Navy in all professional fields and PNS ZULFIQUAR is in Colombo to participate in the 60th anniversary celebration.

The ship also visited Colombo earlier during her maiden voyage from Shanghai in September 2009. The visit will open new avenues of bilateral cooperation between the two friendly navies and garner the existing strong bonds of friendship between the two countries.