Pakistan Chief of Naval Staff, Now in Sri Lanka Calls on Commander of the Army

Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah NI(M), Chief of Naval Staff of Pakistan Navy, now in Sri Lanka at the invitation of the Navy, paid a courtesy call on the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Crisanthe De Silva on Monday (12) morning at the Army Headquarters.

Major General Shavendra Silva, Adjutant General of the Army Headquarters received the visiting Navy Chief of Pakistan on arrival and ushered him to the saluting dais at the parade grounds.

A Guard Turnout and a Guard of Honour offered by the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) troops at the Army Headquarters premises saluted the visiting Pakistan Navy Chief on arrival in accordance with military traditions.

At the entrance to the Commander’s Secretariat, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Principal Staff Officers and Senior Army Officers were introduced to the visiting Navy Chief and his delegation by the Commander of the Army.

During the cordial meeting that ensued, both Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah and Lieutenant General Crisanthe De Silva shared views on several current issues that are relevant to both organizations and the countries at large.

Towards the end of the courtesy meeting, both of them exchanged mementos and the visiting Naval Chief of Staff signed the Visitors’ book, before his departure.

Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah NI(M) is the current Chief of Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy, having been promoted to this four-star assignment on 02 October 2014. He took charge as new Naval Chief on 07 October 2014.

Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah NI(M) was commissioned in the Operations Branch of Pakistan Navy in June 1978. On commissioning, the officer won the coveted Sword of Honour from the Pakistan Naval Academy. He was also awarded the Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal at his graduation.

During his distinguished career, the Admiral attained vast experience of operational, training and Command assignments. His command appointments include Command of a Destroyer and 25th Destroyer Squadron, Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy, Commander Pakistan Fleet and Command of Multinational Maritime Task Force. Some of his key staff appointments include Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Plans), Defence Attaché in Qatar, Director General National Accountability Bureau (Rawalpindi), Chief Inspector (Navy), Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Training & Personnel), Naval Secretary and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations). Before being appointed as Chief of the Naval Staff, the Admiral was serving as Vice Chief of Naval Staff at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad.

The Admiral is a graduate of Royal Naval Staff College, UK and National Defence University, Islamabad. He holds Masters degree in Defence Studies from London University and MSc (War Studies) degree from Quaid-e-Azam University.

He is a keen yachtsman who represented Pakistan at numerous international events including 1984 Olympics (USA), 1986 Asian Games (South Korea) and 1990 Asian Games (China). He won Gold Medal at the Asian Games twice and various other awards at International Sailing Championships.

In recognition of his meritorious services, the Admiral has been awarded Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military), Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military), President’s Medal and President’s Award for Pride of Performance.