Vice-Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi appointed as Chief of Naval Staff

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – President Mamnoon Hussain has appointed Vice Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi as Chief of the Naval Staff and promoted him to the rank of Admiral. His promotion to the rank of Admiral will be effective from the date of assuming Command of Pakistan Navy. Vice Admiral Zafar Mahmood will succeed Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah who will relinquish the Command of Pakistan Navy on Oct 7. 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).