Commodore J U Bhuiyan,ndc,psc ,
In May 2025, when tensions with India reached a boiling point, the people of Pakistan stood united in
fear and hope. As fighter jets took off and army units moved into defensive positions, many believed a
major war was about to begin. But amid all the noise, one part of Pakistan's defense force stayed mostly
out of the spotlight—the Navy.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) played a bold and professional role during the crisis. It was quick, sharp, and
efficient. Their actions, planning, and readiness helped keep the situation under control. The public
rightly praised them, and they earned respect across the board.
But after the crisis ended, something surprising happened. While the PAF did most of the actual fighting,
the biggest honors and promotions went to the Army leadership. One senior Army officer was even
promoted to the rare and highly symbolic rank of Field Marshal. It left many people asking: Was the
glory given to the right place?
What many forgot was the important work being done at sea. The Pakistan Navy may not have fired a
missile, but it played a crucial role in keeping the country safe and running. In modern warfare, wars are
not only won by fighting, but by keeping the supply lines open. Fuel, food, weapons, spare
parts—everything needed for survival and war comes by sea.
During the May crisis, the Navy:
-Made sure Pakistan’s sea trade routes stayed open and safe.
-Watched Indian Navy movements, especially their submarines.
-Sent clear signals that Pakistan was ready at sea too.
-Protected fuel and supply ships that kept the country running.
If the Navy had failed, Pakistan could have faced a fuel shortage, rising prices, and even internal panic.
But they didn’t fail. They did their job, quietly and professionally.
This is not the first time that navies have been ignored after playing big roles. In wars around the world,
land battles and air strikes make for dramatic headlines. But sea power decides long-term success. The
British Navy helped save Britain in World War II. The U.S. Navy keeps world trade running today. China is
expanding its navy to secure its future.
It is also worth remembering that in World War II, it was the United States Air Force that truly brought
the war to an end by dropping the two atom bombs on Japan. That single, powerful action forced Japan
to surrender and saved countless lives by avoiding a prolonged fight. While the Navy’s aircraft carriers
could have played a similar role by launching air strikes, in the end, it was the Air Force’s courage and
determination that changed history. In that moment, the Army and Navy had very little left to do — it
was the Air Force’s courage and determination that changed history. You could say, one squadron from
the Air Force brought the whole war to a close.
So why does the Navy get so little credit?

One reason is visibility. People can see jets flying or tanks moving. But a ship patrolling in the ocean?
That doesn’t make headlines. It’s quiet work, often without explosions or camera-friendly images. But
that doesn’t make it any less important.
Also, countries often reward visible courage more than strategic patience. A general giving a speech
looks like a leader. A sailor monitoring a radar screen at midnight does not. But without that sailor, the
general may not have a country to protect.
This isn’t just a Pakistan problem. Around the region, navies play quiet but critical roles. India’s Navy is
growing fast and aims to control the Indian Ocean. Bangladesh is also investing in its navy to protect its
sea borders and national resources in the Bay of Bengal. In any future conflict in South Asia, naval power
will play a key part—whether people notice it or not.
Pakistan needs to look at its full picture. The Army, Air Force, and Navy are all important. No one should
be left out when it comes to appreciation and support. If the Air Force fought the skies, and the Navy
kept the sea open, then giving all the credit to the Army may not be fair.
This doesn’t mean the Army did nothing. They stood ready and played their part. But promotions and
medals should reflect actual roles, not politics or tradition.
The crisis of May 2025 reminded Pakistan that war is not always about shooting. It’s about readiness,
balance, and teamwork. The silent service—the Navy—did its duty. Now it’s time the nation gives it the
respect it deserves.
Glory should not be given based on noise. It should be based on need, impact, and contribution. In that
light, the medal may have been placed on the wrong uniform.
Let us honor all who serve—on land, in the air, and at sea. Let us be fair in how we remember and
reward.

Author: Former ACNS and Pro VC of BUP