Admiral Zafar Mahmood takes charge as new naval chief

ISLAMABAD: Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi on Saturday took over the command of Pakistan Navy as the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah retired today.

Admiral Zakaullah handed over the command of the navy to his successor Admiral Abbasi at a ceremony held at the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad.

Earlier this week, President Mamnoon Hussain had approved the appointment of Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi as the next naval chief. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had recommended his name for the top navy office.

Zafar Mahmood  was top on the seniority list of the Pakistan Navy officers.

Abbasi had joined the Pakistan Navy in 1978 and was educated at the Pakistan Naval Academy. He has also served as commandant of the Naval Academy as well as Director General of the Maritime Security Agency. He took over as vice chief of naval staff in June 2017.

Addressing the change of command ceremony, Admiral Zakaullah felicitated the new naval chief and expressed best wishes for him. He said he was happy to hand over the command of the Pakistan Navy to a competent officer.

Zakaullah said Pakistan Navy was fully capable to defend the country against any threat. The force should remain well prepared to deal with any challenge that may arise at any time.