By Staff Reporter
LONDON: Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan Navy, Admiral Naveed Ashraf NI NI(M) TBt, has concluded a high-profile official visit to the United Kingdom, holding a series of strategic engagements with British defence, maritime and security institutions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting regional maritime stability.
In a landmark achievement, Admiral Ashraf became the first Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan Navy to address the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London, one of the world’s leading strategic think tanks. Speaking on Indian Ocean security, he highlighted the importance of a collaborative regional maritime security framework to address emerging challenges in the region.
During the visit, the Naval Chief held bilateral meetings with senior officials of the Royal Navy and the UK Ministry of Defence, called on the Commander of NATO Allied Maritime Command, and met the Commandant of the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS). He also visited the Nautical Institute and held discussions with the Lloyd’s Market Association and the Joint War Committee, focusing on maritime insurance, global shipping and the evolving security environment in the Indian Ocean.
Admiral Ashraf also represented Pakistan Navy at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) held at RAF Fairford, Europe’s largest military airshow, where he engaged with senior military leaders from allied nations and representatives of the United Kingdom’s defence industry.
As part of his visit, the Naval Chief visited the Pakistan High Commission in London, where he met officers of the mission, discussed ways to further strengthen Pakistan–United Kingdom cooperation in defence, maritime and strategic affairs, and recorded his remarks in the Visitors’ Book.
Officials said the visit reflects the Pakistan Navy’s growing international profile and its commitment to expanding professional engagement with key global partners while contributing to international maritime security and regional stability.
