Admiral Naveed Ashraf takes charge as new naval chief

• Outgoing chief expresses confidence in new chief to be a capable, worthy successor

KARACHI: Admiral Naveed Ashraf assumed the role of the 23rd naval chief of staff during the change of command ceremony in Islamabad on Saturday.

The outgoing service chief, Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi, formally handed over command to the new naval chief.

In his farewell address, the outgoing chief congratulated Admiral Ashraf for taking command and highlighted the admiral's distinguished career. He expressed confidence that the admiral would prove to be a capable and worthy successor who would “lead the Pakistan Navy to new heights”.

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Niazi further added that the Pakistan Navy stands as a strong and vital component of the country's armed forces, capable of safeguarding our maritime frontiers. He stressed that Pakistan values collaboration in matters of maritime security.

The outgoing naval chief also pointed out that as India transitions into Bharat, there will likely be "increased fundamentalism, extremism, and bigotry in our neighbourhood." This implies a significant agenda focused on war-mongering and expansion, which will complicate security challenges in the future, he said. Hence, the former chief believes in the need for preparedness, professionalism, and unwavering self-esteem in responding to these challenges.

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Admiral Ashraf received his commission in the operations branch of the Pakistan Navy in 1989. He is a graduate of the National Defense University in Islamabad, the US Naval War College, and the UK's Royal College of Defense Studies.

In recognition of his exceptional professional services and bravery, Ashraf has been awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Basalat.