KARACHI: Outgoing naval chief Admiral Zakaullah said on Saturday that there was no greater honour than to have been associated with the Pakistan Navy.
While addressing a ceremony organised at PNS Zafar, he thanked Almighty Allah to have bestowed upon him the sacred onus of commanding Pakistan Navy for the defence of mother land. The admiral acknowledged that there was no greater privilege and honour for him than to have been associated with such a noble profession and an array of dauntless, devoted and capable officers and men.
The outgoing naval chief congratulated Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi for assuming the command of Pakistan Navy and expressed his heartiest felicitations The admiral added that when he had taken over the command of the Pakistan Navy three years ago, it was his ardent desire to command a multi-dimensional naval force, which maintained the highest level of operational preparedness, fully capable of defending the sea frontiers and safeguarding maritime interests in consonance with national security aspirations.
“Today, I stand affirmed that owing to strenuous hard-work of officers and men, Pakistan Navy has transformed into one of the most professional forces in the world,” he said.
Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah impressed upon the fact that the contemporary complex and challenging security environment in the region entailed that we must have coherent and lucid perception of the security calculus.
“Pakistan Armed Forces are an impregnable defence against all those elements which resort to nefarious designs against our country,” he said.
While highlighting the socio-economic importance of CPEC and Gwadar port for the country, the outgoing naval chief underscored that viability and assured dividends of CPEC related projects would augment mutual cooperation with other regional countries besides ushering economic stability in the region.
Muhammad Zakaullah said that while relinquishing the command of Pakistan Navy, he felt pride for having dedicated his life and services for an excellent force. He thanked government of Pakistan for entrusting confidence and rendering support and cooperation in discharging his duties. The admiral also expressed gratitude for Principal Staff Officers, NHQ staff, Field Commands and navy civilians for extending steadfast support and arduous devotion.
Earlier, on their arrival at the venue, the outgoing and newly appointed naval chiefs were presented with guard of honour. Later, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah formally handed over the command of Pakistan Navy by presenting the traditional baton to Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi.
Later, Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi laid floral wreath at Shuhada monument at Naval Headquarters and offered Fateha. Upon arrival at Naval Headquarters, a smartly turned out contingent clad in ceremonial dress presented him the Guard of Honour.
Published in Daily Times, October 8th 2017.
