On a memorable day in 1993, history was made when PNS TARIQ, formerly known as HMS AMBUSCADE, was commissioned into the Pakistan Navy. The commissioning ceremony, held on July 28, 1993, was a momentous occasion that marked the transition of the ship from British to Pakistani service. As the sun set on that historic day, we hosted our first official reception onboard for the distinguished guests who had come to witness this significant event.
The ceremony was attended by a wide array of honourable guests, all of whom had gathered to pay tribute to the ship’s legacy and its new chapter in Pakistan’s naval history. That evening, the BBC aired a special segment, including an interview with me, which was recorded just after the completion of the commissioning ceremony. It was an exciting time for the crew and everyone associated with the ship.
A highlight of the event was the presence of Lady Rosemary Griffin, who had a special connection to the ship. Lady Griffin had originally launched HMS AMBUSCADE on January 18, 1973, at the Yarrow (Shipbuilders) Ltd. shipyard. She was accompanied by her husband, Admiral Sir Anthony Griffin, who at the time was the Third Sea Lord and Controller of the Navy. Now, two decades later, Lady Griffin returned to honour the decommissioning of HMS AMBUSCADE and the birth of PNS TARIQ. In a poignant moment, she cut a large, specially prepared cake, symbolizing the passing of the torch from one naval tradition to another.
For those of us who had the privilege to be there, the event was not just a formal ceremony but a deeply emotional farewell to the ship’s British heritage and a celebration of its future with the Pakistan Navy. The ship, which had served the Royal Navy for years, was now embarking on a new journey, representing the strength and resilience of Pakistan’s maritime forces.
As I reflect on that day, I am reminded of the shared history between nations and the enduring legacy of the sea. The commissioning of PNS TARIQ was more than a naval tradition—it was a bridge between two proud naval powers, and a symbol of the lasting ties that bind us across oceans.
Commodore Muhammad Anwar
