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NAVAL HEADQUARTERS
Public Relations Directorate
PRESS RELEASE
Tel: 20062326
Cel: 0300 - 8505486
ADMIRAL M ASIF SANDILA ASSUMES COMMAND
OF PAKISTAN NAVY
ISLAMABAD
07 OCTOBER 2011
Admiral M Asif Sandila sworn in as 19th
Chief of the Naval Staff, during an
auspicious Change of Command Ceremony of
Pakistan Navy held at PNS ZAFAR Naval
Complex Islamabad.
While taking over the command of
Pakistan Navy, Chief of the Naval Staff
Admiral M Asif Sandila pledged to never
lose sight of the fact that as a potent
fighting force, Pakistan Navy has to
maintain high level of operational
preparedness at all times, and it is the
fulfillment of this major objective that
he shall focus and continue to strive
hard to achieve.
He added that “I am fully
conscious of my duty to ensure that
resources and assets which the nation
provides us at the cost of many other
important needs, are put to best use for
achieving maximum Operational
effectiveness. The contemporary security
environment is complex and challenging
and our responsibilities, both at sea
and ashore, have increased manifold.
Therefore, it is our prime duty to
discharge these responsibilities to the
fullest satisfaction of the Government
and the people of Pakistan”.
Admiral M Asif Sandila emphasized that
he will actively strive for synergy and
seamless integration with sister
services in all important and
operational matters; “the Navy will go
an extra mile for the collective good of
the services and evolving joint
strategies for employment and
development of combat potential. He
added that cognizant of the need, self
reliance in defence, shall be a priority
area for me”.
While addressing Admiral M Asif Sandila
reiterated that under his command, he
will continue to cooperate with friendly
countries to maintain a lawful order at
sea; “I sincerely feel the oceans of the
world despite their vast expanse are a
means to unite the nations and Pakistan
Navy will maintain global outlook in
this respect”.
Bidding farewell to the outgoing
naval chief, Admiral Asif Sandila
greatly acknowledged the contributions
made by the Admiral Noman Bashir by
saying that “He had been a distinguished
Naval Chief who served and commanded
Pakistan Navy with great skill, dynamism
and commitment. His vision, proactive
approach and focused direction enabled
Pakistan Navy to achieve major
milestones contributing towards self
reliance and capacity building, and he
shall be remembered for long”.
In his farewell address the
outgoing naval chief Admiral Noman
Bashir said, that “by the grace of
Allah, the navy today stands as an
effective and efficient Arm of the
country’s Armed Forces, fully capable of
protecting our maritime frontiers and
maintaining much needed deterrence.
Pakistan Navy has emerged as an
effective instrument of national power
and capable of showing presence in our
area of interest while fully
contributing towards nation building.
Admiral Noman Bashir, urged
that to meet the challenges posed in the
emerging environment it was imperative
for Pakistan Navy to checkmate any
potential conflict scenarios through
pragmatic, yet effective employment and
deployment strategies. Pakistan Navy
during the preceding three years was
adequately trained and structured to
pursue our defence and foreign policy
objectives, safeguard maritime interests
and thwart the contemporary security
challenges.
Earlier, on their arrival at the venue,
the outgoing and newly appointed Naval
Chiefs were presented guard of honour.
Later, Admiral Noman Bashir formally
handed over the command of Pakistan Navy
by presenting the traditional scroll to
Admiral M Asif Sandila.
Director General Public Relations (Navy) |
