Naval chief stresses maintaining combat readiness against traditional, non-traditional maritime threats

CNS, Admiral Naveed Ashraf while addressing Chief of the Naval Staff Conference of the Pakistan Navy, mentioned threats arising from the current situation in the Middle East, especially threats to freedom of navigation and possible disruption of crucial Sea Lines of Communication.

The ISPR issued a press release saying that the Command and Staff Conference of the Pakistan Navy came to an end after being held at the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad. The conference was presided over by the CNS with participation from key staff officers and field commanders.

In his remarks, the CNS stressed on remaining combat-ready to face both conventional and unconventional challenges in the maritime domain, mentioning the dynamic nature of the region in context.

“Emerging threats in the maritime domain, including freedom of navigation, potential disruption of vital SLOCs, and a volatile security situation across strategic choke points require constant vigilance,” he said.

Admiral Ashraf underscored the importance of acquiring niche and cutting-edge technologies, terming them an absolute strategic necessity for the Pakistan Navy.

He further highlighted the navy’s pivotal role in ensuring peace, stability, and regional maritime security, adding that it was assuring the maritime community through its presence in the Gulf of Oman.

"The forum also commemorated the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, paying tribute to the sacrifices made during the May 2025 conflict, said ISPR.

 The naval chief remarked, “The historic triumph stands as an enduring testament to national unity and unwavering resolve to defeat any external aggression with an iron fist.”