ISLAMABAD: The government on Thursday appointed Vice Admiral Mohammad Zakaullah as the next chief of naval staff.

Vice Admiral Zakaullah will succeed Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila, who is to retire on Monday.

“The President of Pakistan has been pleased to appoint Vice Admiral Mohammad Zakaullah as Chief of the Naval Staff and promoted him to the rank of Admiral,” a statement issued by Pakistan Navy said.

Vice Admiral Zakaullah’s promotion to the rank of admiral will take effect from the day he assumes the command of the navy next week.

He is currently serving as Vice Chief of Naval Staff at the Naval Headquarters, Islamabad.

The change of command ceremony will take place at PNS Zafar Naval Complex, Islamabad, on Oct 7.

President Mamnoon Hussain appointed Vice Admiral Zakaullah as the 20th naval chief on the recommendation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

“President Mamnoon Hussain, on the advice of the Prime Minister, has approved appointment of Vice Admiral Mohammad Zakaullah, HI(M) as Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), in terms of Article 243(4)(c) of the Constitution of Pakistan read with Schedule-V of Rule 15-A(1) of the Rules of Business, 1973,” a statement by the presidency said.

Vice Admiral Zakaullah was commissioned in Operations Branch of Pakistan Navy in June 1978.

On his commissioning, Vice Admiral Zakaullah won the coveted Sword of Honour from Pakistan Naval Academy. He was also awarded Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal at his graduation.

During his career, he held a number of operational, training and Command assignments. His command appointments include command of a destroyer and 25th Destroyer Squadron, Commandant of Pakistan Naval Academy, Commander Pakistan Fleet and Command of Multinational Maritime Task Force.

Some of his important staff postings included Chief Inspector (Navy), Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Training & Personnel), Naval Secretary and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) and Vice Chief of Naval Staff.

Published in Dawn, October 3rd, 2014