Pakistan Navy Honours Retired Veterans at Distinguished Reception

Chief of Naval Staff Hosts Elegant Dinner for Pakistan Navy League 

Karachi, June 13, 2025 — The Pakistan Navy demonstrated its enduring commitment to honoring its veterans by hosting an elegant dinner reception for retired naval officers of the Navy League Karachi and their spouses. The prestigious event, held at the Community Centre, PNS Karsaz, was personally hosted by Admiral Naveed Ashraf NI(M), T.Bt, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS).

Distinguished Gathering

Over 170 members of the Navy League Karachi attended the evening event, including numerous retired Flag Officers and senior veterans accompanied by their spouses. The gathering was also graced by serving officers including the Commander Karachi (COMKAR), Commander Pakistan Fleet (COMPAK), Commander Logistics (COMLOG), and other Principal Staff Officers.

Among the distinguished veterans present were several naval heroes who had served with exceptional honor during their careers. Most notably, Admiral Shahid Karimullah, former Chief of Naval Staff, and Vice Admiral K M Mir were in attendance. The gathering was particularly honored by the presence of Commander Bazl Ahmed Khan, who holds the unique distinction of being not only the oldest veteran present but also one of the most respected and beloved officers in the Pakistan Navy's history. Each veteran represented a legacy of dedicated service to the nation, embodying the courage and commitment that defines naval excellence.

The reception, which commenced at 8:30 PM, exemplified the Navy's deep respect for its institutional legacy and commitment to preserving the bonds between serving and retired personnel. The Community Centre hall was elegantly decorated with maritime-themed décor, creating an atmosphere of dignity and camaraderie befitting the occasion.

Personal Touch from Naval Leadership

Admiral Naveed Ashraf's approach to the evening was particularly noteworthy. During the initial reception as soup was served, the CNS personally moved through the hall, engaging in meaningful conversations with every veteran present. These interactions held special significance, particularly with veterans who had previously served as the Admiral's instructors, Commanding Officers, or senior colleagues during his career progression.

The personal attention demonstrated by the Chief of Naval Staff reinforced a fundamental Navy principle: that while ranks may evolve and roles may change, the bonds forged through service remain unbreakable, anchored in tradition and mutual respect.

Traditional Naval Hospitality

Guests were treated to an authentic Pakistani dinner prepared according to established naval mess protocols. The carefully curated menu featured traditional dishes including fragrant Lamb Pulao, rich Chicken Qorma, spicy Chicken Tikka, and tender Reshmi Kababs, complemented by seasonal vegetables, fresh salad, and mint yogurt chutney.

The meal concluded with an elegant dessert selection of Kheer and Gulab Jamun, followed by traditional green tea (kahwa), maintaining the customary standards of naval hospitality. The attention to detail in food preparation and service reflected the same discipline and excellence that characterizes Navy operations.

Navy League's Community Impact

In his address, the President of the Navy League, Commodore (Retd.) Tajuddin Najmi, underscored the organization's dual mission: fostering camaraderie among veterans and implementing impactful community initiatives. He highlighted the transformative Baba Island School Project, a key initiative the League has supported over the past two decades.

The Navy League’s extensive community outreach encompasses adult literacy programs, women's stitching units, medical camps, and various student enrichment activities. Furthermore, the League is dedicated to enhancing maritime awareness and preserving naval heritage through organized seminars, publications, and public engagement.

 Expressing gratitude to the Chief of Naval Staff, he remarked, "The steadfast deterrence demonstrated by our Navy in recent conflicts has not only protected our maritime borders but has profoundly filled our veterans with pride, symbolizing our enduring strength and resilience

Chief of Naval Staff's Address: Honoring Legacy, Affirming Readiness

In his keynote address to the distinguished gathering, Admiral Naveed Ashraf NI(M), T.Bt, delivered a comprehensive overview of the Pakistan Navy's current state and future trajectory. His remarks, delivered with evident emotion and respect, began with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the veterans' contributions.

He opened his address by paying heartfelt tribute to the retired officers, declaring: "Your service didn’t just build the foundations; you shaped the very soul and capability of this Navy. The modern, vigilant, and credible force we are today stands as a testament to your vision and sacrifices." He emphasized that every ship, aircraft, and sailor embodies their enduring legacy. Transitioning to current operations, the CNS underscored the Navy’s strategic posture: vigilant guardianship of Pakistan’s 1,000-km coastline and 290,000 sq. km Exclusive Economic Zone amid evolving threats in the Indian Ocean, anchored in credible minimum deterrence and a balanced fleet.

In a pivotal revelation, Admiral Ashraf stated: "This commitment to readiness is not theoretical. During recent tensions, we were fully poised to defend our maritime frontiers. Our capabilities and resolve served as a critical deterrent—any aggressor faced the certainty of formidable consequences, directly contributing to regional stability.

He detailed sustained operational preparedness through multilateral exercises like AMAN-25, Combined Maritime Forces collaboration, and enhanced domain awareness systems. Modernization efforts, he noted, are advancing across all domains—new frigates, stealth submarines, and AI investments—while indigenous shipbuilding at Karachi Shipyard strengthens self-reliance. The CNS reaffirmed that personnel remain the Navy’s core strength, with leadership grooming and ethical training reflecting values exemplified by the veterans.

Tribute to Veterans

In his concluding remarks, Admiral Naveed Ashraf delivered a powerful tribute to the assembled veterans: "Your service didn't just build the foundations; you shaped the very soul and capability of this Navy. The modern, vigilant, and credible force we are today – prepared to defend our maritime interests with unwavering resolve, discipline, and honour – stands as a testament to your vision and sacrifices."

The CNS concluded with deeply personal words: "Your commitment continues to inspire us to strive harder and reach higher. We are the guardians you trained us to be, standing watch on the foundations you built."

Legacy and Continuity

The evening served as a powerful reminder of the Pakistan Navy's commitment to honoring its heritage while building toward the future. The event exemplified the institution's core values of respect, continuity, and the unbreakable bonds that unite all who have served under the naval ensign.

The reception concluded with renewed commitments from both serving and retired personnel to continue supporting the Navy's mission and the broader maritime community through the Navy League's ongoing initiatives.

Pllease see Photos: https://www.paknavyleague.com/gallery#684e6f164ac97