Pakistan names navy ship PNS Tipu Sultan to honor historical resistance leader

Pakistan has named its navy ship PNS Tipu Sultan, a Tariq-class destroyer, to honor the 18th-century ruler known for resisting British colonialism. This choice reflects a complex historical narrative linking Tipu Sultan to Pakistan's military identity. The ship, acquired in 1994 and originally built for the British Royal Navy, underwent significant upgrades between 1998 and 2008. It was reclassified as a guided missile destroyer, enhancing its capabilities within Pakistan's naval defense strategy. PNS Tipu Sultan joins other ships named after Mughal figures, emphasizing a connection to historical resistance against foreign rule. This naming choice highlights the symbolic importance of Tipu Sultan in Pakistan's collective memory.