Graduation ceremony: ‘Developing human resources is a priority’

79 graduates of war studies degree include officers from allied countries .

LAHORE: Developing human resources and improving combat potential were identified as two key priorities of the Pakistan Navy by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah on Friday.

He was speaking at the convocation ceremony of 44th Pakistan Navy Staff Course held at Pakistan Navy War College, Lahore.

Master in War Studies (Maritime) degrees were given out to 79 graduates from Naval, Armed and Air Forces and 21 others from Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Fiji, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Yemen.

The naval chief said officers of the Pakistan Navy were its most useful asset. He said with such capable individuals in its ranks, the naval forces had become indispensable in ensuring national security. He urged the officers to be ready at all times for tasks assigned to them by the government.

He said some countries in Pakistan’s neighbourhood had a domineering mindset. “We cannot be oblivious to threats to our sovereignty and national security,” he said.

Addressing the graduates, he said learning was a continuous process. “Bear in mind that it does not end with completion of your master’s degrees,” he said. He said in the field there would be new things to learn everyday.

He also advised them to keep themselves abreast of the latest technological advancements in modern naval warfare. “I expect that you will not just live up to the glorious traditions of your predecessors but will raise the bar through your own accomplishments,” he said.

He encouraged them to always listen to their conscience when faced with a difficult decision.

PN War College Commandant Rear Admiral Abdul Aleem briefed the gathering about the issues covered in the 41-week programme. He said the participation of officers from allied countries was an encouraging sign.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30^th, 2015.