The government on Saturday announced promotion of Commodore Azher Shamim Anwar to the rank of Rear Admiral with immediate effect, a notification issued by the Defence Ministry here, said. Rear Admiral Azher Shamim was commissioned in Pakistan Navy in the Operations Branch on June 1, 1974 with seniority from August 17, 1973. He is specialised in aviation and has held various command appointments, including P-3C squadron whilst in USA, 27, Maritime Squadron at PNS MEHRAN, 18th Destroyer Squadron and Auxiliary and Mine Warfare Squadron.
He has commanded PNS Zulfiquar - a frigate and PNS Mujahid - a minesweeper.
His staff appointments include Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Plans) at NHQ, Chief Staff Officer to Commander Karachi and Officer in Charge Maritime Headquarters at PNS Haider. In addition to the above he has also served as Defence Attaché of Pakistan at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 1993 to 1996.
He is a graduate of Naval Staff College USA and Armed Forces War Course, National Defence College.
The officer was awarded TI (M) in 1984 in recognition of his services as the Senior Pilot and Flying Instructor in 29 ASW/ASV Atlantic Squadron.
In 1998, he was awarded S.Bt as CO PNS Zulfiquar for salvage and recovery of an abandoned Indian oil tanker thereby averting a major ecological disaster off the coast of Pakistan. In 2003, he was awarded SI (M) while in command of the Auxiliary, Mine Warfare Squadron. He also has the honour of making the first entry of frigate in Ormara Naval Harbour whilst in command of PNS Zulfiquar.
Presently, he is on the faculty of National Defence College and has been appointed DG Training.