In a ceremony at Pakistan Naval Headquarters in Islamabad today, the outgoing naval chief handed over the command of Pakistan Navy to the new chief.
President Mamnoon Hussain, who is also the supreme commander of armed forces of the country, had on October 2 approved Zakaullah’s promotion as four-star admiral and appointed him the new Chief of Naval Staff.
In his farewell speech, Sandila said that as chief of the Pakistan Navy it was his top priority to keep the navy stable which is it has the capability to put an end to ulterior motives of terrorists.
Zakaullah, while addressing the ceremony, thanked the president for appointing him as the new chief, adding that he will fulfill his duties vigorously.
Ensuring maritime security is mandatory for national security for prosperity of the country, he stated.
"In all areas of Pakistan Navy, development and merit will be first priorities," he said.
The new navy chief also stated that he will further enhance the operational capabilities of Pakistan Navy, further stating that the navy has the capability to overcome any sort of challenges.
Implementing government policies, navy will keep on carrying out its role on a regional as well as a national level, Zakaullah added.
Vice Admiral Zakaullah has represented Pakistan at numerous international events including 1984 Olympics (USA), 1986 Asian Games (South Korea) and 1990 Asian Games (China). He won the gold medal at the Asian Games twice and various other awards at International Sailing Championships.
Zakaullah was among the three other three star vice admirals of the Pakistan Navy whose names were being considered for the top slot.
The newly promoted admiral will command the navy for the next three years.
Zakaullah is a graduate of the Royal Naval Staff College in UK and National Defence University Islamabad. He holds a masters degree in Defence Studies from London University and an MSc (in War Studies) degree from the Quaid-e-Azam University.
The new navy chief also holds awards such as the Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military), Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military), President’s Medal and President’s Award for Pride of Performance.
COMMENTS (15)
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I know this admiral for long time, he is an absolutely perfect choice to lead Pak Navy. He is very professional, dead honest, great sportsman, brave soldier and besides all that, a down to earth person and practicing Muslim as well. May Allah bless him and our country.
Very well done President Mamoon, i can assure you that if you make each decision like this our country can be a one of the best in the world.
I know this admiral personally very well for long time. He is extremely professional, competent, honest, courageous and a brave soldier. Don't forget please beside all this, he is down to earth person and good practicing muslim as well. May Allah bless him more and our country as well under his command.
Very well done President Mamoon, if you make each decision like this, i can assure that country will be inshallah on the right path.
Admiral Zakaullah deserved this honour from every aspect- A genuine gentleman, down to earth, respectful to others, a thorough Naval Officer, follows the Navy BOOK under All Circumstances. A Professional of the Highest Calibre. It is an honour to be associated with Zakaullah since his time in Pakistan Acedemy. I asked him last year about his chances of becoming CNS, His Reply was "let us pray that the person who gets this job is the right person for Pakistan. He surely is that person. By the way, his beard is also genuine.
Apart from an ace sportsman admiral Zakaullah is a professional sailor an excellent planner a devoted commander and a down to earth person . President has no doubt made an exceptional choice. Go and ask any rank of Pak Navy about the new chief and you will believe my words.
@khurram: he is from toba area now settled in karachi
Facial hair is usually dangerous for us. But then Amir-ul-Munafiqeen Zia-ul-Haq didn't have beard either.
Eid Mubarak and Congratulations! Frankly, I thought that somebody from the coast of Makran had joined the Pak Navy, risen through the ranks, and become CONS (Chief Of Naval Staff). Salams
First time in navey a man without tummy .. It is really great to see .. Thanks navey to have him as chief
is he from PUNJAB or KPK?
We do not see inclusiveness yet, it is high time that we realize that we need to show inclusivity to the minority provinces. The professionals from smaller provinces have been disenfranchised completely. Let us appoint professionals from Baluchistan, KPK, GB, Sindh in to the key roles. Until this has happened Punjab should forget that it will earn respect and loyalty from minority groups & communities.
New Chief......now another high tech, high cost defence system will have to purchased for the Navy.
@a&a: Thats my Country's Navy Chief, It has got all the relevance for every Pakistani...
I would like to know that is it the first time in Pak history that a professional sportsman became armed forces chief ?