ISLAMABAD: Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah was sworn in as Chief of the Naval Staff at a change-of-command ceremony held at the PNS Zafar Naval Complex here on Tuesday.

According to a press release issued by Director General of Public Relations, Pakistan Navy, Admiral Zakaullah on the occasion pledged to ensure that Pakistan Navy continue to maintain the highest level of operational preparedness to defend sea frontiers and safeguard maritime interests of the country.

The naval chief said that contemporary security environment was complex, challenging and evolving as national security was predicated on economic security which in turn was intrinsically dependent on maritime security.

He stressed the need for attaining the highest standard of professional excellence and working with dedication and demonstrating courage in the face of all odds and challenges.

“My top priority will be to maintain operational readiness and to further enhance operational capabilities of the Pakistan Navy,” he said.

The PN chief said that there was tremendous potential, abundant will, inspiring energy level and great resolve in officers, men and women serving the Pakistan Navy.

He called upon the naval staff to be professionally competent and morally upright and ethically impregnable to fulfil national responsibilities.

He said regional environment and present security situation demanded extra vigilance and concerted efforts by all concerned.

He pledged to continue playing effective role at regional and international levels as per government’s policies and in accordance with the national interests. “I will seek to achieve synergy and seamless integration with other services in all important operational and other inter-services matters.”

In his farewell address, the outgoing chief Admiral Asif Sandila said that Pakistan Navy’s developmental strategy over the past three years was aimed at creating a balanced and effective force to manifest various concepts of employment strategy to keep itself abreast with latest technological advancements and fluctuating threat spectrum.

Earlier, on their arrival at the venue, the outgoing and newly-appointed naval chiefs were presented a guard of honour.

Later, Admiral Sandila formally handed over the command of the Pakistan Navy by presenting the traditional scroll to Admiral Zakaullah.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2014