ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has conferred the insignia of Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) upon newly-appointed Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.

The President decorated the Naval Chief with the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) award in recognition of his meritorious services at a special ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on Friday. Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, services chiefs and other senior officials attended the ceremony.

It may be mentioned here that Admiral Naveed Ashraf had taken charge as the 23rd Chief of the Pakistan Navy at a ceremony held in Islamabad on October 7 last. At the change of command ceremony, outgoing Naval Chief Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi handed over the command to the new Naval Chief.

In his farewell address, the outgoing naval chief had congratulated Admiral Naveed Ashraf for assuming command. He said the Admiral has a distinguished career, studded with notable achievements. He was confident that Admiral Naveed Ashraf will prove to be an able and worthy successor who will lead the Navy to new heights.

Amjad Khan Niazi had said Pakistan Navy stands as a strong and vital arm of the country’s armed forces capable of protecting our maritime frontiers. He said Pakistan believes in collaboration when it comes to maritime security.

New Naval Chief Naveed Ashraf got commission in the Operations Branch of Pakistan Navy in 1989. He is a graduate of National Defence University Islamabad, US Naval War College and UK’s Royal College of Defence Studies. Naveed Ashraf has vast experience of working in key command and staff positions.