ISLAMABAD, Oct 5: Vice Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila was promoted to the rank of Admiral and appointed Chief of the Naval Staff on Wednesday.

It is learnt that he will take over the charge at a traditional change of command ceremony at the Naval Complex here on Friday.

He will replace Admiral Nauman Bashir who will be retiring the same day. Sources said Asif Sandila was the most senior officer after Admiral Bashir and currently served as the Chief of Staff.

After his appointment, Asif Sandila called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Meanwhile, Admiral Bashir paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. He apprised the prime minister of welfare projects completed during his tenure and of matters concerning training and education of navy personnel.

The prime minister praised the contributions made by the naval chief for uplifting training and living standards of sailors through housing schemes. He also praised the role being played by the navy in relief, rescue and rehabilitation of flood-affected people in Sindh and other nation-building efforts undertaken during previous calamities and natural disasters.