Admiral Naveed Ashraf takes charge as 23rd Chief of Naval Staff

ISLAMABAD, Oct 07 (SABAH): Admiral Naveed Ashraf has taken charge as the 23rd Chief of Naval Chief.

At the change of command ceremony in Islamabad on Saturday, Outgoing Naval Chief Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi handed over the command to the New Naval Chief.

In his farewell address, the outgoing chief congratulated Admiral Naveed Ashraf for assuming command. He said the Admiral has a distinguished career, studded with notable achievements. He was confident that Admiral Naveed Ashraf will prove to be an able and worthy successor who will lead the Navy to new heights.

Amjad Khan Niazi said Pakistan Navy stands as a strong and vital arm of the country’s armed forces capable of protecting our maritime frontiers. He said Pakistan believes in collaboration when it comes to maritime security.

The outgoing Naval Chief said as India transitions into Bharat, we will see pronounced fundamentalism, extremism and bigotry in our neighborhood. This implies a significant war mongering and expansion centered agenda that will complicate security challenges in the future. He said we must be prepared to respond to the challenges with professionalism, preparedness and unwavering self esteem.

New Naval Chief Naveed Ashraf got commission in the Operations Branch of Pakistan Navy in 1989. He is a graduate of National Defense University Islamabad, US Naval War College and UK’s Royal College of Defense Studies.

Naveed Ashraf has vast experience of working in key command and staff positions.

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

Meanwhile, Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has congratulated Admiral Naveed Ashraf on taking command of Pakistan Navy.

In a statement on Saturday, he said Admiral Naveed Ashraf is an experienced, talented and capable officer. Under his leadership, he said, Pakistan Navy will gain further strength.

The Speaker said Pakistan Navy is one of the best naval forces in the world. He said Pakistan Navy has always protected Pakistan’s maritime borders.