Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, Pakistan Navy

LEADING Pakistan’s Maritime Front, the Asian Defence Journal speaks to Admiral Naveed Ashraf ahead of the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC) 2025.

ADJ: Admiral, thank you for joining us. What is the significance of the PIMEC 2025 for Pakistan and the maritime sector globally?

CNS: At the onset, let me apprise you that PIMEC 2025 represents Pakistan’s commitment to promoting maritime awareness and unlocking the vast potential of our Blue Economy. It is a premier platform where global maritime stakeholders, governments, navies, industry and academia converge to explore collaborative avenues in technology, trade, maritime security and sustainability. For Pakistan, it is an opportunity to project our maritime potential and reinforce our vision of a secure, prosperous and inclusive maritime future.

ADJ: Upon your appointment as Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) in October 2023, could you elaborate on the principal objectives you envisioned for the Pakistan Navy at the outset of your tenure? In respect, to what extent have these objectives been realised and which key priorities or initiatives remain ongoing or yet to be pursued to fully achieve your strategic vision?

CNS: The geopolitical environment in our region is changing rapidly especially due to ongoing regional conflicts. After assuming command, I had envisioned a robust, adaptive and technologically advanced Pakistan Navy with well-trained HR capable of maintaining perpetual readiness against conventional and unconventional threats, in order to successfully navigate challenges in the maritime domain. Therefore, since assuming command as Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), one of the foremost objectives was to boost combat readiness through optimal utilisation of resources and completion of ongoing projects in order to augment the Navy’s prowess.

By the grace of Almighty Allah, with induction of modern platforms and development of quality HR, Pakistan Navy is well prepared to counter both conventional and unconventional threats being posed to us. In short, while lot has been achieved, our strategic journey continues towards shaping the Pakistan Navy into a modern, agile force, fully prepared for future challenges and committed to safeguard Pakistan’s maritime interests while contributing to regional stability.

ADJ: In today’s complex evolving security environment, how is Pakistan Navy adapting its doctrine, structure and equipment to meet emerging challenges? Are there any organisational reforms underway?

CNS: The contemporary maritime environment is marked by hybrid threats, rapid technological shifts and intense competition in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). To remain ahead of these challenges, Pakistan Navy is continually refining its doctrine, force structure and capabilities. Our doctrine now places greater emphasis on adaptability, information dominance, cyber and electronic warfare and the integration of unmanned and autonomous systems into main fleet operations.

Pakistan Navy has been successful in defending our maritime interests in the recent conflict with India. We will keep working to further strengthen our existing capabilities and align our organisational structure as per modern dictates.

ADJ: Given Pakistan’s geo-strategic position, Pakistan Navy has expressed ambitions to develop into a credible blue-water force in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). How is the Navy enhancing its capacity to meet present and future challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)?

CNS: Pakistan’s geo-strategic location at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) naturally places great responsibility on Pakistan Navy. To evolve into a credible Blue Water force, Pakistan Navy is pursuing a  balanced approach of modernisation, indigenisation and regional cooperation.

We are inducting modern surface and sub-surface platforms, augmenting naval aviation and special operations forces (SOF) and investing in maritime domain awareness (MDA) to ensure credible deterrence across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). At the same time, emphasis on indigenous shipbuilding and technological advancements is enabling long-term self-reliance. Equally important is that Pakistan Navy remains an active contributor to collective maritime security through initiatives like Regional Maritime Security Patrols and participation in multinational exercises. This combination of capability enhancement and cooperative engagement is central to our vision of maintaining a robust and credible posture in the region.

ADJ: What roadmap has Pakistan Navy envisioned for the integration of unmanned surface and underwater vehicles, as well as unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in naval operations?

CNS: We’ve made significant strides in developing and inducting autonomous unmanned systems in Pakistan Navy and also embedding them with naval operations. We are currently operating the CH-4 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) from China, Boeing MQ-27 Scan Eagle from the US and the Rheinmetall Luna NG from Germany. These UAVs are primarily employed for surveillance purposes, significantly enhancing our capabilities in maritime domain awareness (MDA). We are also working on developing unmanned surface (USV) and underwater vehicles (UUV) in line with modern trends.

ADJ: Through joint exercises with allied and partner nations such as Turkiye, China, US and Saudi Arabia, which key capabilities does Pakistan Navy seek to further develop?

CNS: Joint exercises with allied and partner navies provide opportunities to test and refine own operational concepts, enhance interoperability and learn from the experiences of each other. In Exercise AMAN 2025 for example, Pakistan Navy collaborated with partner nations to conduct complex multi-domain operations, enhancing coordination across surface, sub-surface and aerial platforms.

By leveraging platforms like AMAN 2025, Pakistan Navy continues to enhance operational readiness, doctrinal sophistication and its capacity to conduct coordinated operations, thereby reinforcing both national defence and regional maritime security.

ADJ: The Pakistan Ministry of Maritime Affairs, in collaboration with Pakistan Navy, is organising the second edition of PIMEC 2025 in Karachi on Nov 3-6. The event will showcase Pakistan’s maritime potential, promote global partnerships and provide a platform for both government-to-government (G2G) and business-to-business (B2B) engagements. How does the Pakistan Navy envision the role of PIMEC in advancing Pakistan’s maritime industry and strengthening its blue economy initiatives?

CNS: PIMEC 2025 represents Pakistan’s commitment to promoting maritime awareness and unlocking the vast potential of our Blue Economy. For Pakistan, it is an opportunity to project our maritime potential and reinforce our vision of a secure, prosperous and inclusive maritime future.

PIMEC serves as a pivotal platform to highlight Pakistan’s maritime potential and advance our Blue Economy initiatives. By bringing together government agencies, industry leaders and academic institutions, PIMEC enables the exploration of opportunities in shipbuilding, port development, maritime logistics and resource management, thereby supporting economic growth and strategic maritime objectives.

Through G2G and B2B engagements, PIMEC aims to strengthen international cooperation, attract investment in Pakistan’s maritime sector and underscore Pakistan Navy’s commitment to sustainable development, maritime security and the growth of the Blue Economy.

ADJ: How has PIMEC evolved since its inception and what makes this edition unique?

CNS: The inaugural edition of PIMEC was held on Feb 10-12, 2023, in Karachi. The PIMEC initiative became a great success as it witnessed participation of a large number of foreign and domestic exhibitors and delegates. Now in the second edition of PIMEC, we are witnessing a greater interest from the global maritime community, including trade delegates, exhibitors and renowned names from academia. The 2025 edition is unique due to its expanded scope. In addition to the exhibition, we are hosting high-level panel discussions on scientific approach to emerging technologies, climate-resilient coastal infrastructure and maritime security in addition to the primary objective of promoting the Blue Economy.

ADJ: How is Pakistan Navy contributing to regional maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)?

CNS: Pakistan Navy plays a proactive role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. We contribute through multilateral platforms such as the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), conduct independent maritime security patrols and regularly host exercises like AMAN. Our efforts are aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation, countering illicit activities at sea and promoting collective security partnerships. We are committed to being a responsible maritime nation and partner in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

ADJ: As you have mentioned about contribution in Combined Maritime Forces. We understand that Pakistan has been a key contributor to Combined Maritime Forces (you personally commanded Combined Task Force (CTF)-151) and established its own Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP). With other regional and extra-regional navies present and contributing to collective/overall maritime security, what is the most important factor in Pakistan’s contribution to these efforts?

CNS: First of all, thank you for recognising the Pakistan Navy’s efforts towards the collaboration security framework of the CMF. Pakistan Navy has a long tradition of maritime cooperation with international navies and partners. We believe that the magnitude and diversity of threats and challenges in our region is such that no country has the wherewithal to tackle them alone. Therefore, collaborative maritime security has become imperative for ensuring maritime security in the region. Our key principle is to keep the maritime environment safe against non-traditional threats and effectively contribute towards maintenance of vital sea lanes in the Arabian Sea, to our best abilities despite being a moderate Navy.

ADJ: What steps is Pakistan Navy taking to support the development of the Blue Economy ?

CNS: Our government has rightly realised the importance of the Blue Economy for sustainable development and various initiatives are underway to optimally exploit the potential in this domain. As far as Pakistan Navy is concerned, it is an enabler in this process of maritime economic development. We have been instrumental in supporting marine scientific research, protecting offshore resources and facilitating port and shipping security. Through platforms like PIMEC and collaborations with national and international stakeholders, we are pushing for integrated maritime governance, investment in coastal infrastructure and marine environmental protection. We believe the Blue Economy holds transformative potential for Pakistan’s economic future.

ADJ: Maritime security threats are evolving. How is Pakistan Navy adapting to meet new challenges?

CNS: The nature of maritime threats has indeed expanded from piracy and arms smuggling to cyber warfare and hybrid challenges. To address this, we are investing in modern platforms, surveillance capabilities and indigenous solutions. At the same time, we are enhancing jointness with other services and interoperability with friendly navies. Our focus remains on credible deterrence, swift response and operational readiness across the full spectrum of maritime challenges.

ADJ: Pakistan hosted the AMAN Exercise in February this year and now PIMEC. What is the message you want to give to the international maritime community?

CNS: Our message is clear, Pakistan is committed to promoting maritime peace, cooperation and shared prosperity. Whether through exercises like AMAN or events like PIMEC, we aim to build bridges, foster dialogue and generate trust among nations. The sea connects us all and only through collective effort we can secure our oceans for future generations.

ADJ: In what ways does PIMEC serve as a platform for fostering international collaboration between governments, navies, academia and the maritime private sector?

CNS: PIMEC serves as a vital platform to showcase Pakistan’s maritime potential, advance technological innovation and strengthen our Blue Economy initiatives. By bringing together government agencies, industry stakeholders and academic institutions, PIMEC helps highlight opportunities in shipbuilding, port development, maritime security and coastal resource management thereby supporting Pakistan’s long-term economic and strategic goals.

For the Pakistan Navy, PIMEC is more than an exhibition. It is a forum to promote collaboration, knowledge exchange and partnerships with international navies, maritime industries and research institutions. The event allows us to share expertise, explore joint ventures and foster professional linkages that enhance operational readiness and indigenous capacity-building.

ADJ: Could you elaborate on the opportunities PIMEC provides for foreign companies and investors seeking to engage with Pakistan’s growing maritime and defence industry?

CNS: PIMEC offers an excellent platform for foreign companies and investors to connect with Pakistan’s expanding maritime and defence sectors. It facilitates networking, technology exchange and partnerships across multiple domains in maritime sectors such as port operations, maritime logistics, sea transportation, ship building and repair, ship breaking etc. PIMEC showcases Pakistan’s commitment to industrial growth and provides opportunities to collaborate on joint ventures, co-production and innovation, making it an attractive gateway for global stakeholders.

ADJ: How does PIMEC complement Pakistan’s broader maritime strategy, particularly in relation to Gwadar Port, China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the expansion of Pakistan’s continental shelf?

CNS: PIMEC is a platform which showcases and leverages the country’s strategic maritime assets, including Gwadar Port and the opportunities presented by CPEC. By highlighting port development, shipping and logistics capabilities, the event underscores Pakistan’s role as a growing maritime hub in the region and promotes investment in critical infrastructure to support trade and economic growth.

The expo is combined with the International Maritime Conference (IMC) which aims to bring government agencies, industry stakeholders and international partners on a single platform for knowledge exchange and discussions on maritime challenges. In essence, PIMEC acts as a bridge between policy makers, local and international maritime industries and business partners, reinforcing Pakistan Navy’s role not only in safeguarding maritime security but also in driving strategic economic and developmental objectives within the Blue Economy framework.

ADJ: Looking ahead, what are Pakistan Navy’s long-term goals for PIMEC and how do you see the expo evolving in the coming years to address emerging maritime technologies, sustainability and security challenges? 

CNS: Pakistan Navy envisions PIMEC evolving into a premier regional platform that promotes the Blue Economy, fosters innovation, collaboration and strategic dialogue to harness the Blue Economy potential of Pakistan. Long term goals include promotion of Blue Economy, public-private partnerships, promoting indigenous technological advancements and addressing emerging maritime threats through international cooperation.

ADJ: Lastly, what do you envision for the future of Pakistan’s maritime sector?

CNS: I envision a robust, secure and innovation-driven maritime sector that contributes significantly to national growth and regional integration. With proper policy alignment, stakeholder collaboration and investment in maritime human capital, Pakistan can emerge as a regional maritime hub. Pakistan Navy will continue to play its role, both as guardian of maritime interests and as a catalyst for national maritime development.

ADJ: Any closing thoughts for our readers and PIMEC participants?

CNS: I extend a warm welcome to all delegates, exhibitors and scholars to PIMEC 2025. I urge them to explore opportunities for collaboration and join hands for sustainable maritime growth. Together, let us chart a course towards a safer, more prosperous maritime future. Pakistan Navy remains committed to supporting this journey, today and beyond.