ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muha­mmad Zakaullah ordered on Friday high vigilance to counter maritime threats.

Presiding over a Command and Staff Conference of the Pakistan Navy at the Naval Headquarters, the naval chief urged field commanders to remain at the highest state of preparedness and maintain a constant vigil in their area of responsibility, according to a statement issued by the navy’s media directorate.

Admiral Zakaullah told commanders that coastal security exercises should be regularly carried out “to acquire the highest degree of professionalism and interoperability”.

The security environment was described as “complex, challenging and evolving”.

Expressing satisfaction over the level of operational preparedness, the naval chief vowed defence of vital maritime infrastructure and protection of the maritime interests of Pakistan against all threats.

“Pakistan Navy will continue to play a significant role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region,” he said.

The conference deliberated on operational preparedness, development plans of the navy and the prevailing security situation.

Meanwhile, Commander of Polish Land Forces Brig Gen Wojciech Grabowski called on Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah on Friday. In their meeting at Naval Head­quarters, the two discussed matters of mutual interest.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2017