Vice Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi new naval chief

ISLAMABAD: Vice Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi has been appointed as new naval chief and will take charge on 07th October. His promotion to the rank of Admiral will be effective from the date of assuming command.

President Mamnoon Hussain approved the appointment on Tuesday on the advice of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, NI(M) shall complete his tenure on 06th October 2017 after commanding the navy for three years.

The Change of Command ceremony will be held at PNS ZAFAR, Islamabad.

Vice Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi was commissioned in Operations Branch of Pakistan Navy in June 1981. The officer undertook initial training at Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth, UK. On commissioning, the officer won the coveted Sword of Honour from Pakistan Naval Academy. During his distinguished career, the Admiral attained vast experience of both command and staff appointments.

His command appointments include Command of Surface ships, Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy, Commander 25th Destroyer Squadron, DG Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, Commander Coast, Commander Logistics, Commander Pakistan Fleet and Command of Multi-National Combined Task Force 150 at HQ NAVCENT Bahrain.

His key staff appointments include Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Plans), Chief Inspector (Navy) and Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (Operations). Presently, the Admiral is serving as Chief of the Staff at Naval Headquarters.

The Flag officer is a graduate of National Defence University Islamabad and Royal Australian Navy Staff College.

In recognition of his meritorious services, the Admiral has been awarded Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military).