Naval chief calls for constant combat readiness amid maritime security challenges

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf has stressed the need for sustained combat readiness to deal with both traditional and non-traditional challenges in the maritime domain, according to a Pakistan Navy statement issued on Wednesday.

The remarks were made during the Pakistan Navy’s Command and Staff Conference held at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad. The conference reviewed operational preparedness, ongoing initiatives and upcoming events, the statement said.

Referring to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, Admiral Ashraf said the maritime domain was facing emerging threats, including issues related to freedom of navigation, the possible disruption of vital Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), and an unstable security environment across strategic choke-points.

He said the acquisition of niche and advanced technologies had become an absolute strategic requirement for the Pakistan Navy.

The naval chief also highlighted the Pakistan Navy’s role in maintaining peace, stability and maritime security in the region. He said the service was continuing to reassure the maritime community through its operational presence in the Gulf of Oman.

PN is providing assurance to the maritime community through its presence in GOO [Gulf of Oman].

According to the statement, the forum also marked the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq and paid tribute to the sacrifices made during the May 2025 conflict.

Admiral Ashraf described that outcome as a historic triumph and said it reflected national unity and firm resolve in the face of external aggression.

The statement said discussions at the conference remained centred on aligning naval priorities with changing regional maritime security requirements and setting a clear direction for preparedness across different domains of naval warfare.

Discussions remained focused on aligning naval priorities with evolving regional maritime security imperatives to chart a clear course for operations preparedness across multiple domains of naval warfare.

The conference formed part of the navy’s internal review process as it assessed the regional security environment and its own readiness posture in light of current developments.

Conference reviews preparedness and priorities

The Pakistan Navy statement said the forum carried out a comprehensive assessment of operational readiness while also examining current initiatives and future plans. The deliberations were aimed at ensuring that naval priorities remained in step with the changing security situation in the wider region.

The emphasis placed by the naval chief on readiness, technology acquisition and maritime security came against the backdrop of heightened concern over regional sea routes and strategic maritime passages.