KARACHI, Dec 10: Rear Admiral Irfan Ahmed has taken the charge of Commander Karachi from Rear Admiral Mohammad Haroon, who has been appointed Chief of the Staff at Naval Headquarters.

At the change of command ceremony, the outgoing Commander Karachi, Rear Admiral Mohammed Haroon, presented the traditional scroll to the newly-appointed Commander Karachi as a mark of handing over the command.

Speaking on the occasion, Rear Admiral Irfan Ahmed said that despite the financial constraints, the government and people of Pakistan had made great sacrifices to equip the armed forces with costly platforms, weapons, equipments and other infrastructure. It is imperative that each one of us prevent wastage and be judicious in the best utilization of our available resources, he added.

Commenting on the professional performance of the officers and the sailors under the command of the Commander Karachi during the recent tense period, he admired the highest degree of professionalism displayed by them in the hour of need.

He further said that the threat may have reduced to some extant for the time being but it has not yet ended and we should therefore always remain ready to face challenge and be prepared to meet any eventuality at a short notice.

He also felicitated the outgoing Commander Karachi on a successful and rewarding completion of command. The tenure of Rear Admiral Haroon was of operational activities and commitments. It demanded an able leadership and he proved equal to the task, he remarked.

Earlier in the welcome address, Rear Admiral Haroon praised the commitment exhibited by officers and men during the year-long standoff.

While commenting on the professional aspects, he said that the quantitative edge enjoyed by our adversary should not make us worried.

“I can assure you that professionalism; sound training and above all faith in Allah Almighty will play a more decisive role in any further conflict. It is imperative that we must give top priority to character building, self-discipline and education in order to be ready to meet any kind of challenge,” he added.—PPI