CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY

Change of Command Ceremony of Pakistan Navy was held on 7th Oct 08 at PNS ZAFAR. As the 18th Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Noman Bashir addressed the ceremony during the auspicious ceremony of change of command. While taking over the Command of Pakistan Navy, Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Noman Bashir said that Pakistan Navy's responsibilities at sea have increased manifold with the passage of time and with the turn of events in this part of the world. He urged that it is our duty to discharge these responsibilities to the best of our ability and to the satisfaction of the Government and the people of Pakistan.

Admiral Noman Bashir further said that the primary role of the navy as a potent fighting force is to maintain optimum preparedness at all times. The Admiral also stressed that while the Navy today can boast of a wide variety of military hardware in its inventory, it should not be forgotten that it is the quality of fighting men that is the real force multiplier. Their courage in difficult situations and willingness to work beyond the call of duty are great assets indeed. While working together as a well-knit team, we shall Inshallah succeed in facing the challenges that lie ahead. The Admiral emphasized that we must be fully prepared to fight and prevail through the attributes of superior training, professional excellence and above all faith in our cause.

Bidding farewell to the outgoing Naval Chief he said, Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir, had been a distinguished Naval Chief who has four decades of service to Pakistan Navy with wisdom and skill and shall be remembered for long.

In his farewell address the outgoing Naval Chief Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir said that by the grace of Allah, Pakistan Navy today stands an effective and efficient arm of the country's Armed Forces, fully capable of protecting our maritime interests and maintaining deterrence. Pakistan Navy has emerged as an effective instrument of the country's defence and foreign policies, capable of showing presence in our area of interest while fully contributing in nation building.

Earlier, on their arrival at the venue, the outgoing and newly appointed Naval Chiefs were presented guard of honour. Later, Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir formally handed over the command of Pakistan Navy by presenting the traditional scroll to Admiral Noman Bashir.

While talking to media personnel after the ceremony Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir expressed his determination to counter the challenges of modern world in order to protect the maritime interests of the country.