“Bubbles of Water” is a captivating collection of naval reminiscences by Rear Admiral Mian Zahir Shah (Retd), who served the Pakistan Navy with distinction until the close of the last millennium.
The book contains over 200 anecdotes, arranged chronologically from 1942 to 1999, and offers a living history of the Pakistan Navy through personal and shared memories. Interestingly, only a small portion of these accounts belong to the author himself; the majority are drawn from his conversations with a wide range of personalities — including JW Jefford, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Pakistan Navy; Vice Admiral Haji Mohammad Siddiq Choudri, the first Pakistani Commander-in-Chief; Admiral Fasih Bokhari; Ambassador Jamsheed Marker; and many other distinguished officers, both local and foreign.
Through humour, detail, and warmth, Mian Zahir Shah takes the reader across decades of naval service. The book recounts moments such as Quaid-e-Azam’s calm handling of the Royal Indian Navy mutiny before independence, an unexpected 21-gun salute for the Saudi monarch in 1953, Ayub Khan’s voyage aboard PNS Babur in 1963, the author’s submarine induction test in 1966, wartime rescues in 1971, and training voyages around Australia in the 1980s.
The writing is vivid and witty. Describing a submarine trial, the author writes, “We were packed like sardines seated inside along with an instructor, and the hatch was slammed shut on us… We had opened up the jaws of the beast and crawled into its stomach.” Lines like these show his ability to blend humour with realism and tension.
Equally striking are the illustrations, all created by the author himself. They are humorous, expressive, and perfectly complement the tone of each story. The drawings often extend the narrative, helping readers visualise the atmosphere and emotions behind the words.
“Bubbles of Water” is more than a memoir. It teaches naval protocol, explains traditions, recounts historical voyages, and reveals the human side of life at sea. It speaks of leadership, ingenuity, and the spirit of service that defines the Pakistan Navy. Whether you are a naval veteran, a student of history, or simply a curious reader, this book offers insight, nostalgia, and pride in equal measure..
