Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi takes oath and took charge of Pakistan Navy as Amiral Zakaullah stepped down from his command on Thursday.

A ceremony was held at Naval Complex Islamabad on Friday, in which Admiral Zakaullah handed over the baton of charge to Admiral Zafar Abbasi.  Wishing Admiral Zafar the best for his journey as the naval chief said that Pakistan was a gift from God and that defending the motherland was dearer to the officers of the navy than their own lives. According to local media reports, he was quoted as saying, “Allah gave me the opportunity to defend the motherland. Our association with Pakistan Navy is a matter of pride”.

Vice Admiral had been appointed as the new Naval Chief on October 3 and the oath ceremony took place on October 7. On PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s advice, President Mamnoon Hussain had approved the appointment on Tuesday.

Admiral Zafar Abbasi is a graduate from National Defence University Islamabad and Royal Australian Navy Staff College. He has been awarded Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military).