Graduation: ‘Pakistan cannot ignore threats to sovereignty’

Chief of naval staff addresses convocation.

LAHORE: “We cannot remain oblivious to threats to Pakistan’s sovereignty and national security, especially in the face of hegemonic manoeuvring by our neighbours,” said Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah on Friday.

He was addressing the 45th convocation of the Pakistan Navy Staff Course at Navy War College.

Zakaullah conferred master’s degrees in war studies on 50 graduates from the navy, the army, the air force and 18 officers from Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Turkey.

Addressing the gathering, the naval chief said Pakistan’s geographic location was of immense global interest.

“This is evident from the near permanent presence of international forces in the region,” he said.

“Various blocs in larger Asia are turning towards the sea and significant investments are being made in the strategic and conventional build up of naval forces,” he said.

He further said hegemonic mindsets by neighbouring countries could be detrimental for Pakistan’s sovereignty and national security.

He said the government was providing considerable resources for officers’ training despite budgetary constraints.  “It is our duty to optimise these resources for Pakistan’s defence,” he said.

Zakaullah said an officer in a leadership role must be an effective decision-maker.

“No one can afford indecision. Poor judgment by leaders shows a regressive trend in any organisation, particularly in military forces.”

“Make positive contributions to the decision making process by making best use of skills learnt during the course,” he said.   The naval chief congratulated the graduating officers and acknowledged the resolve of PN War College and in support of National Defence University in undertaking various activities of the course.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Commandant of the Navy War College Rear Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi described the professional and academic training offered to officers at the college. “I am happy to see graduates from allied countries. It signifies fraternal bonds between us and these countries and between our naval forces.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 14^th, 2016.