Karachi: September 8 is celebrated as Navy Day in Pakistan, and the story of the PNS Rajshahi, which joined the Pakistan Navy’s fleet 53 years ago, is a testament to the crew’s enduring struggle to protect human lives under adverse conditions. During the 1971 war, this British-built gunboat, armed with two anti-aircraft guns, not only broke through the Indian Navy’s blockade but also covered a maritime distance of 1,496 miles from Chittagong (then East Pakistan) to Penang Port (Malaysia).
On board the naval vessel were 43 Navy personnel, 2 from the Pakistan Air Force, and one officer from the national airline. During this challenging and complex mission, Rajshahi navigated through extensive minefields.
In the war against Mukti Bahini’s combat swimmers, the PNS Rajshahi proved highly effective in preventing attacks on Pakistani boats, launches, and small naval vessels. During the Baadhi Sial mission against Mukti Bahini in East Pakistan, Rajshahi’s gunboat made history with its courage and bravery.
Even after 58 years, PNS Rajshahi remains active and a part of the Pakistan Navy, continuing its illustrious legacy.
September 8 is celebrated as Navy Day to honor the valor and bravery of the martyrs and veterans of the 1965 and 1971 Pakistan-India wars.
The enduring tale of PNS Rajshahi in breaking the Indian Navy’s blockade during the 1971 war is recorded in the annals of history. The British-built warship, equipped with two anti-aircraft guns, was inducted into the Pakistan Navy fleet on March 8, 1966. When India began its incursions into Pakistani territory during the 1971 war, this gunboat played a crucial role.
When Mukti Bahini, trained by India, captured the strategic town of Baadhi Sial in early April 1971, a rescue operation was initiated. The Pakistan Navy undertook the task of transporting ground forces to the war zone via Rajshahi.
During the operation, Rajshahi came under fire, leading to severe injuries for Commander Lieutenant A.Q. Khan. Before dusk, Pakistani forces managed to recapture Baadhi Sial Police Station from Mukti Bahini, and coastal jetties were cleared with the help of Rajshahi.
Throughout the Pakistan-India war, Rajshahi undertook various missions to support the Pakistan Armed Forces. After the breakup of Pakistan (fall of Dhaka), Captain Sikandar Hayat Khan led Rajshahi from Chittagong Port on the night of December 16-17, 1971.
The gunboat, carrying 43 Navy personnel, 2 from the Pakistan Air Force, and one officer from PIA, covered a total maritime distance of 1,496 nautical miles from Chittagong to Penang Port, Malaysia.
Rajshahi navigated through minefields in the dark, maintaining complete silence in communication to avoid potential attacks from enemy naval and air forces. The 96-hour journey was a severe test as the vessel was at the mercy of the waves, while the Indian Navy and Air Force loomed as potential threats.
After four days and nights of arduous travel, Rajshahi successfully docked at Penang Port, Malaysia, on December 21, 1971, with its officers, crew, and passengers.
The 44 passengers who endured harsh conditions returned to their homeland via a national airline flight, while Commander Lieutenant Sikandar Hayat Khan and the 7-member crew of Rajshahi reached Karachi Port on February 10, 1972. Lieutenant Sikandar Hayat Khan was awarded the Star of Courage for his bravery.