The January 2025 edition of "Binoculars," the annual publication from the Pakistan Navy History & Archives Centre (PNH&AC), marks its third year of publication. This meticulously crafted magazine has established itself as a valuable repository of Pakistan's naval heritage and contemporary maritime developments..
Under the patronage of Vice Admiral Muhammad Saleem HI(M), Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Training & Personnel), and the editorial leadership of Captain Ahmed Zaheer PN, (Retd) Director PNH&AC, the magazine maintains a consistent balance between historical documentation and contemporary analysis. The editorial team has successfully curated content that appeals to both naval professionals and general readers interested in maritime affairs.
As noted in the Editor's Note, the magazine draws extensively from archival research and veteran interviews, ensuring that historical accounts are preserved with fidelity to primary sources. This dedication to historical precision makes Binoculars not merely a magazine but a valuable historical document in its own right.
Content Diversity and Depth
The magazine's content spans an impressive range of topics organized into thoughtfully structured sections. From the opening excerpts of speeches by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to detailed technical articles on naval platforms, the publication demonstrates remarkable breadth and depth.
The "A Leaf from PN History" section offers fascinating insights into the genesis and development of key naval institutions, most notably the Pakistan Maritime Museum. The article "Genesis of the Pakistan Maritime Museum: Labour of Passion" by Lt Cdr Somia Aslam PN provides a compelling account of how Commodore Tajuddin Najmi SI(M) (Retd) transformed a vision into reality through determination and expertise. Such articles serve the vital function of preserving institutional memory and honoring the contributions of naval pioneers.
BINOCULAR-2025 gives readers a clear vision of the Transformation of the Drafting Office over the years through Captain Ahmed Zaheer's meticulously researched and chronologically presented article with illuminating illustrations. The article impressively documents the evolution from operating out of just two Nissan Huts to becoming an independent Authority, and the transition from manual record-keeping to an Oracle-based system.
Similarly, Commander A H Bajwa Rtd’s fascinating article on Mine Sweeping and Mine Hunting Platforms in the PN provides a valuable historical perspective on the Minesweeping Squadron, adding significant depth to the technical coverage of naval operations.
The "Strategic Significance of Maritime Domain" section addresses contemporary maritime security challenges with analytical rigor. Captain Ahmed Zaheer (Retd) 's article on "The Strategic Significance of Bab el Mandeb in Global Shipping" offers a sophisticated analysis of this critical maritime chokepoint, demonstrating the magazine's relevance to current geopolitical discussions.
Particularly commendable is the inclusion of the "Islamic Maritime History" section, which connects Pakistan's naval traditions to the broader Islamic maritime heritage. Commander A Mokarim Rtd's informative and engaging article on "Contribution of Muslims to Navigation" enriches this section, providing readers with valuable insights into the historical contributions of Muslim seafarers and navigators. This historical contextualization provides readers with a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical foundations of Pakistan's maritime identity.
The magazine also contains thoughtful tributes to naval heroes, preserving their legacies and inspiring current and future generations of naval personnel.
Visual Presentation and Design
The magazine demonstrates its dedication to visual excellence through consistent design elements, thoughtful use of naval colors, and a polished layout. The cover design creatively employs a binocular motif, vividly contrasting PNS BABUR in 1984 and 2024, effectively illustrating the magazine's goal of bridging past and present.
Equally impressive is the back cover, which offers a beautifully designed chronological overview of the Pakistan Navy's significant achievements from 1947 to 2023. This presentation effectively portrays the Navy's evolving capabilities, capturing a wide array of operations—from combat engagements to peacekeeping and humanitarian missions—and reflecting the versatility of its roles over time.
Educational Value
Beyond its historical documentation function, Binoculars 2025 serves as an educational resource of considerable value. Articles on technological developments, such as "Artificial Intelligence: Revolution in the PN" by S/Lt Ahmed Masood PN, demonstrate the publication's forward-looking perspective. The magazine successfully bridges historical appreciation with contemporary relevance, making it an invaluable educational tool for naval personnel, maritime professionals, and students of naval history.
The "Tributes and Memories" section, featuring personal narratives from veterans like Master Mariner Imran Mohammad's "Seafaring with no Fearing," adds a human dimension to naval history. These personal accounts transform abstract historical events into lived experiences, enhancing the educational impact of the publication.
Encouraging New Voices
A particularly praiseworthy aspect of Binoculars 2025 is its commitment to nurturing new voices in naval historical writing. As noted in the Editor's Note, "the bulk of the articles in the current issue have been penned by young authors, indicating a surge of enlightenment in that cadre." This deliberate inclusion of contributions from younger officers ensures the magazine remains dynamic and forward-looking while fostering a culture of historical appreciation among new generations of naval personnel.
Conclusion
Binoculars 2025 stands as a testament to the Pakistan Navy History & Archives Centre's commitment to preserving naval heritage while engaging with contemporary maritime issues. The publication successfully fulfills its stated mission "to serve as the institutional memory of the Pakistan Navy in using the power of history and heritage to pass on hard-earned lessons, foster cohesion, and eulogize the services rendered and sacrifices made by worthy veterans of the service."
The Pakistan Navy History & Archives Centre deserves commendation for producing a publication of such high quality and enduring value. Binoculars 2025 is unreservedly recommended for publication and wide distribution within naval circles and beyond.
