Pakistan Navy League visit of Coastal Area: A Journey of Pride and Progress

Pakistan Navy League organized an enriching two-day coastal visit for its esteemed members and their spouses, showcasing the Navy's state-of-the-art facilities and community development initiatives in Ormara and Gwadar. The visit highlighted Pakistan Navy's remarkable progress while providing retired naval officers an opportunity to witness the organization's continued evolution

This visit, which commenced on 28th January 2025 from Duck Park Naval Housing Scheme, where participants gathered before proceeding to Mehran Air Base. From there, the group was flown to Ormara via an ATR aircraft provided by the Pakistan Navy, reflecting the Navy’s hospitality to its retired officers. Upon arrival at Gwadar, the delegation was warmly received by COMCOAST (Commander Coast) and the Commanding Officer of Jinnah Naval Base, setting the tone for a well-organized and memorable experience.

The first stop of the visit was the Navy Cadet College Ormara (NCCO), an institution that stands as a testament to the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to education and regional development. The Commandant of the college briefed the visitors on its activities, emphasizing its role in providing quality education to children from Balochistan, with 50% of its seats reserved for students from the region. The impressive setup of the college, coupled with its mission to uplift local communities, left a lasting impression on the visitors. Refreshments were served, and souvenirs were exchanged as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation.

Following this, the delegation was transported to the Jinnah Naval Officers Mess, where comfortable accommodations were arranged for all participants. The evening was marked by a visit to Jinnah Naval Base, where members enjoyed boat rides in the harbor and fishing at the jetty. A sumptuous dinner was later hosted at jetty, during which the Commanding Officer of Jinnah Naval Base presented a commemorative harbor picture to the President of the Navy League. The event was a delightful experience for both the retired officers and their spouses, fostering a sense of nostalgia and pride in the Navy’s achievements.

The next day began with a hearty breakfast at the Mess, featuring traditional Pakistani dishes such as paratha, omelets, and halwa puri. The delegation then visited the 100-bed Naval Hospital, a facility that not only caters to naval personnel but also provides healthcare services to the local community. This initiative reflects the Pakistan Navy’s holistic approach to community development, where its efforts extend beyond defense to encompass education, healthcare, and social welfare.

After the hospital visit, the group was flown to Gwadar, where they were treated to breathtaking views of the coastal city from its highest point. Refreshments and souvenir caps were distributed, adding to the sense of occasion. The delegation then proceeded to the Marine Training Center, navigating the rugged terrain of Gwadar’s hills. At the center, the visitors witnessed a spectacular March Past by Naval Marines, a display of discipline, precision, and unit cohesion that left the audience in awe. The synchronized drill movements and flawless coordination of the Marines underscored the high standards of training and professionalism upheld by the Pakistan Navy.

The delegation also visited the Shaheen Block, the administrative and training facility named in honor of Captain Shaheen, a pioneer whose contributions to the Marines and the Pakistan Navy are deeply respected. This gesture highlighted the Navy’s tradition of recognizing and honoring its heroes, further strengthening the bond between its past and present members.

A Memorable Conclusion

The visit concluded with a lavish lunch at the Pearl Continental Hotel in Gwadar, after which the delegation returned to Karachi via the Navy’s ATR aircraft. Throughout the trip, the retired officers and their spouses expressed their gratitude to the Pakistan Navy for the exceptional arrangements and the opportunity to witness the remarkable progress made by the organization. The visit not only provided a platform for reconnecting with the naval community but also reinforced the participants’ pride in being part of an institution that continues to excel in both defense and nation-building.

Appreciating the Pakistan Navy’s Vision

The Pakistan Navy’s facilitating retired officers in such visits is a commendable effort to acknowledge their contributions and keep them engaged with the organization’s ongoing developments. By showcasing its advancements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and training, the Navy has demonstrated its commitment to excellence and its role as a key driver of regional development. This visit to Ormara and Gwadar serves as a reminder of the Navy’s multifaceted contributions to national security and community welfare, earning it the respect and admiration of both its members and the nation at large.The retired officers and their spouses returned with a renewed sense of pride and appreciation for an organization that continues to honor its past while forging a brighter future. The Pakistan Navy’s dedication to its personnel, both serving and retired, is a shining example of its unwavering commitment to the nation and its people.