On August 5, 2023, the Pakistan Navy bid farewell to one of its most distinguished vessels, PNS Tariq, formerly known as HMS Ambuscade. After nearly three decades of operational service, this iconic ship was decommissioned, marking the end of an era for both the Pakistan Navy and the legacy of the Royal Navy’s Type 21 frigates.
A Storied Beginning
PNS Tariq’s journey began far from the waters of Pakistan. Originally commissioned into the Royal Navy as HMS Ambuscade, she was one of the eight Type 21 frigates that served the UK fleet with distinction. Her service included roles in key global conflicts and missions, showcasing the versatility and resilience of the Type 21 class.
In the early 1990s, as part of a modernization effort, Pakistan acquired six of these frigates from the Royal Navy between 1993 and 1994. Among these, PNS Tariq (ex-HMS Ambuscade) became the first of the six to be commissioned into the Pakistan Navy on July 28, 1993.
Thirty Years of Distinguished Service
For three decades, PNS Tariq stood as a sentinel of the seas, patrolling, defending, and contributing to a wide range of naval operations in the region. She played a crucial role in strengthening Pakistan’s maritime defence and security, engaging in numerous exercises and missions alongside regional and international partners. Her service was a testament to the enduring value of the Type 21 class, renowned for their speed, manoeuvrability, and versatility in various roles, from anti-submarine warfare to surface engagement.
PNS Tariq was not only a symbol of Pakistan’s naval strength but also a vessel of international cooperation, reflecting the strong ties between the Pakistan Navy and the Royal Navy.
A Legacy That Endures
After thirty years of loyal service, PNS Tariq was decommissioned on August 5, 2023, closing a significant chapter in Pakistan’s naval history. Her decommissioning is not only a moment of reflection on the past but also an opportunity to look towards the future. The ship’s retirement symbolizes the end of a key era in Pakistan’s naval development but also opens the door for modernization and new capabilities.
PNS Tariq’s legacy will live on, not just as a retired vessel but as a reminder of the shared history between the Pakistan Navy and the Royal Navy, and the vessel’s role in fostering regional stability over the past three decades. While her operational days have come to an end, the stories and memories of PNS Tariq’s contributions to Pakistan’s naval forces will continue to inspire future generations as she rests in Glasgow, UK.
Closing Thoughts
As Pakistan bid farewell to PNS Tariq, we honour the ship and her crew for their decades of service and sacrifice. From her commissioning in 1993 to her final service voyage in 2023, PNS Tariq’s journey is one that embodies the values of duty, resilience, and commitment to the safety and security of the seas.
Though decommissioned, PNS Tariq’s spirit will live on, not only in the history books but in the hearts of those who served aboard her. We look forward to the day she arrives home in Glasgow.
Commodore Muhammad Anwar
