Naval chief stresses maintaining combat readiness against traditional, non-traditional maritime threats
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf chairs the Pakistan Navy’s Command and Staff Conference at Naval Headquarters on Wednesday. Photo: Pakistan Navy
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf on Wednesday highlighted emerging threats in the maritime domain, including risks to freedom of navigation and potential disruption to vital Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
According to Inter Services and Public Relations (ISPR), the Command and Staff Conference of the Pakistan Navy concluded at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad, and was chaired by the naval chief, attended by principal staff officers and field commanders.
The statement said that during the conference, the naval chief emphasised maintaining perpetual combat readiness against traditional and non-traditional challenges in the maritime domain. Referring to the evolving regional situation, he noted a volatile maritime security environment across strategic choke points.
“Emerging threats in the maritime domain, including freedom of navigation, potential disruption to vital SLOCs, and a volatile security situation across strategic choke points, demand constant vigilance,” he said.
Command & Staff Conference of Pakistan Navy concluded at NHQ Islamabad. CNS Adm Naveed Ashraf chaired the conference attended by Principal Staff Officers and Field Commanders to review operational preparedness. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/l4RIwfvhmE
Admiral Ashraf underscored the importance of acquiring niche and cutting-edge technologies, terming them an absolute strategic necessity for the Pakistan Navy.
He further highlighted the navy’s pivotal role in ensuring peace, stability, and regional maritime security, adding that it was assuring the maritime community through its presence in the Gulf of Oman.
"The forum also commemorated the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, paying tribute to the sacrifices made during the May 2025 conflict, said ISPR.
The naval chief remarked, “The historic triumph stands as an enduring testament to national unity and unwavering resolve to defeat any external aggression with an iron fist.”
"Participants undertook a comprehensive review of operational preparedness, ongoing initiatives, and upcoming events, focusing on aligning naval priorities with evolving regional maritime security imperatives," added the statement.