While borne on board PNS DACCA as a watch-keeper, I couldn’t help but notice that the Commanding Officer in particular took great pride in the bakery items, cakes, biscuits et al, churned out by the ship’s galley. On one occasion during Exercise Midlink ’75, while the ship was engaged in replenishment-at-sea, a box of cookies was received from the ship at the other end, which…
Seafearing Vibes 3
As far as anecdotes go, the valiant ship TIPPU SULTAN the First, she of the Battle of River Plate fame, really stood out. Another claim to fame could possibly be the recovery of four to five sonobuoys dropped by a US Maritime Patrol Aircraft during the Midlink Exercise of 1974, before they could sink as they were programmed to. This was arguably the first close…
Seafearing Vibes 2
Midshipmen of our day, and for quite some time thereafter, used to spend two terms, about a year in all, on board the training ship PNS BABUR, on conclusion of which they were subjected to the gruelling Midshipmen Fleetboard exams. With BABUR scheduled to go into long refit, our midshipman class got dispersed, some getting transferred to destroyers and some to smaller vessels like minesweepers…
Seafearing Vibes 1
A warship, or a naval establishment for that matter, encompasses a space of great activity – administrative, operational, technical, social and the routine. Humour too comes along in small doses to relieve the drudgery of the daily routine: as a welcome respite to some, as an unintended insult to others. The episodes being narrated here are based on an actual real time environment, though the…
An Eternal Query
All along life’s bitter paths I have trod and learned, The sole reality is God So to God I turned.
From Devonport With Love
My dearest darlings, here I am Forlorn in a foreign land; Sweet smells of life abound, Colour and toys and chocs around.
Pakistan As A Key Player In The Regional Logistics Chain
The foremost question we need to ask ourselves is whether Pakistan has got what it takes to be a key player in the regional logistics chain. Though certainly endowed with the right credentials, it’s aspirations will remain a mirage unless it learns to embrace new concepts, act decisively in the national interest and formulate policies that encourage efficiency.
To The Submarine Newsletter – A Tribute
The SNL, we all agree, To a relative degree, Is a work that merits praise, Even from those above the waves.
Winning Hearts And Minds In Balochistan The Navy Way
Balochistan is in turmoil. This is the impression one gets, judging from the news, mostly negative, emanating from that unfortunate province. We keep hearing about the rampant drug and human smuggling rackets, about targeted killings and body dumpings, forced disappearances, cross-border attacks, sectarian massacres et al. While Balochistan burns, it’s elected parliamentary representatives, all of them without exception holding a ministerial portfolio of sorts, can’t…
Challenges And Opportunities In The Maritime Sphere
In Pakistan, those entrusted with national planning never tire of speaking about the country’s central geographical location. Our military keeps discussing our superior strategic orientation. Our economists speak in glowing terms of our geo-economic potential. All this is just idle talk until we not only formulate but also implement a viable and well-thought out strategy designed to exploit our natural advantages. One area which best…
