KARACHI: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Zakaullah said on Wednesday that contemporary environment had seen a steady shift from conventional operations to the asymmetric domain, bordering on hybrid warfare.

That had brought the role of the special operation forces to the forefront, which was becoming the instrument of choice as a force-multiplier in the current scenario, he said during the Pakistan Navy’s golden jubilee celebrations of its elite Special Service Group or SSG (Navy), commonly known as naval commandos.

The SSG (N) was raised on March 29, 1967 and has served the nation with valour and honour for the last 50 years.

The chief of naval staff praised achievements and sacrifices of the SSG (N) in the line of duty and acknowledged invaluable and meritorious services rendered by war heroes, veterans and family members of SSG (N) martyrs for the defence of the motherland.

Congratulating SSG (N) veterans for setting a fine legacy to be followed by younger generations, Admiral Zakaullah said that their significant participation during anti-terrorist, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations reflec-ted the dedication and professionalism of the SSG (N), which had performed its tasks remarkably well.

The event was marked by a number of activities, including the launching of a SSG (N) history booklet and a firepower demonstration during which the SSG (N) displayed specialised skills for anti-terrorist/hostage rescue operations and simulated raids on enemy targets.

Highly trained and armed with bullets and brains in equal measures, the SSG (N) provides a deterrent capability to the navy and also serves as an offensive punch for the adversary. They are undoubtedly an icon of honour, a badge of excellence and a symbol of distinction for the navy.

Earlier, the chief of naval staff joined the hardcore physical workout of the SSG (N) and undertook underwater diving.

Besides serving and retired SSG (N) officers, chief petty officers and sailors, a large number of distinguished guests from sister services and other arms of the Pakistan Navy witnessed the celebrations.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2017