ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Naval Chief on Friday said the Red Sea and Indian Ocean have become a battleground for competing interests, posing a significant threat to international peace and security.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, made the remarks while addressing the convocation ceremony of the 54th Staff Course at Pakistan Navy War College (PNWC) in Lahore, according to the Directorate General Public Relations (Pakistan Navy).
In his address, the Chief of the Naval Staff congratulated the graduating officers from both the Pakistan Armed Forces and friendly nations.
He added that the Red Sea has become a battleground for competing interests, posing a significant threat to international peace and security.
He further underlined the transformation in warfare marked by asymmetrical conflicts and the growing influence of non-state actors, and stressed the need for traditional military strategies to evolve in response to these complex challenges.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf also observed that the Indian Ocean Region remains fluid and contested, with new geopolitical realignments and ongoing power rivalries continuing to impact the regional security environment.
Referring to the recent four-day crisis between India and Pakistan, he remarked that it stands as testimony to the changing nature of warfare. The conventional, one-dimensional study of war, he asserted, is now outdated and no longer applicable.
He highlighted that the participation of officers from friendly nations reflects the strong bonds of friendship and mutual trust they share with the Pakistan Navy. He expressed hope that these fraternal ties would continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.
Convocation of 54th PN Staff Course was held at PNWC, Lhr. CNS Adm Naveed Ashraf graced the event as CG. Degrees were conferred upon 118 graduates, incl 74 officers from PN, Pak Army, PAF & 44 officers from friendly countries. Naval Chief congratulated the graduating officers.1/3 pic.twitter.com/9QnmWCCpmZ
— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) May 23, 2025
He praised the high professional standards upheld by the Pakistan Navy War College and emphasised the importance of understanding the evolving dynamics of modern warfare and emerging maritime security threats.
During the ceremony, degrees were conferred upon 118 graduates, including 74 officers from the Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Army, and Pakistan Air Force, as well as 44 officers from friendly countries.
These countries included Bahrain, Bangladesh, Türkiye, China, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Yemen, and the UAE.
Earlier, the Commandant of Pakistan Navy War College presented an overview of the 45-week-long course, covering various professional and academic activities undertaken by the participants.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, civil dignitaries, and families of the graduating officers.
