Sanya: The commissioning ceremony of the first HANGOR Class Submarine, PNS/M HANGOR, took place in Sanya, China, with President Asif Ali Zardari serving as the chief guest. He described the event as a historic milestone in the modernization efforts of the Pakistan Navy, underscoring Pakistan's commitment to maintaining a robust, balanced, and credible defense posture. The president emphasized that Pakistan is fully capable of defending its sovereignty, safeguarding its maritime interests, and ensuring the security of its economic lifelines.

According to Radio Pakistan, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted the capabilities of the HANGOR Class Submarines, which are equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, advanced sensors, and Air Independent Propulsion. He stated that these submarines would play a crucial role in preserving maritime order and stability in the region. Admiral Ashraf noted that the submarines would be instrumental in deterring aggression and ensuring the security of vital Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region.

The commissioning of the first HANGOR Class Submarine signifies another chapter in the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir have extended their congratulations to the entire nation and the Pakistan Navy for reaching this significant milestone.