Islamabad 7 Oct 23: Admiral Naveed Ashraf HI(M) TBt has assumed Command
of Pakistan Navy as 23rd Chief of the Naval Staff. The Change of Command was held
in an impressive ceremony at PNS ZAFAR Islamabad, in which Admiral Muhammad
Amjad Khan Niazi NI (M) SBt, upon completion of his tenure of Service, handed over
the reins of Command to Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
In his farewell address, the outgoing Naval Chief Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi
said that today Pakistan Navy stands as a strong and vital arm of the country’s Armed
Forces, capable of protecting our maritime frontiers and radiating deterrence. Referring
to the enormous military buildup by the eastern neighbour, Admiral Muhammad Amjad
Khan Niazi highlighted that Pakistan Navy remained fully cognizant of the challenge and
continues to pursue progressive capability development through induction of state-of-
the-art naval platforms and equipment to enhance its combat readiness and potential.
The outgoing Naval Chief underscored that vitalization of Blue Economy is important for
the economic development of the country. In this regard the successful conduct of first
ever Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC) under the
patronage of MoMA as part of PN efforts for awareness and development of maritime
sector and Blue economy was a great stride.
In the end, the outgoing Naval Chief congratulated Admiral Naveed Ashraf on his
appointment as Chief of the Naval Staff. He reposed complete confidence in the
incoming CNS for leading Pakistan Navy to new heights and wished him a successful
tenure in office.
The change of command ceremony was attended by Senior Government officials,
former Naval Chiefs, serving and retired PN officers, CPOs/ sailors and Navy civilians.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf was commissioned in Operations
Branch of Pakistan Navy in 1989 and he was awarded Quaid-e-Azam Gold Medal on
successful completion of initial naval training at Germany and Pakistan.
During his illustrious naval career, the Admiral has served on various Command and
Staff appointments. His rich Command experience of over 10 years include;
Commanding Officer of a Gun Boat, a Mine Hunter, three Destroyers and Command of
25th & 18th Destroyer Squadrons. Besides, Admiral Naveed Ashraf remained
Commandant of Pakistan Naval Academy and had the honour to Command Pakistan
Navy Fleet. His distinguished Staff appointments include Fleet Operations Officer at HQ
Commander Pakistan Fleet, Captain Training at HQ Flag Officer Sea Training, Chief
Staff Officer to Task Force-151 at HQ NAVCENT Bahrain, Deputy President National
Defence University, Naval Secretary, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Admin), Director
General C4I, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Training & Personnel), Deputy Chief of Naval
Staff (Operations) and Chief of Staff at Naval Headquarters.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf is a graduate of Pakistan Navy War College Lahore, National
Defence University Islamabad, Naval Staff College USA and Royal College of Defence
Studies UK. In recognition of his meritorious services, the Admiral has been awarded
Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-e-Basalat.
