KARACHI, OCT 30: Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami assumed the Command of Pakistan Fleet as COMPAK during Change of Command ceremony held at Karachi. Vice Admiral Naveed Ashraf handed over the Command to the newly appointed Commander Pakistan Fleet.

Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami undergone initial naval training from Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth United Kingdom and won the coveted Sword of Honour. He was commissioned in Operations Branch of Pakistan Navy in 1989. The Admiral is a graduate of Pakistan Navy War College, Lahore and Naval Command & General Staff College, Philippines. He is also an alumni of National Defence University, Islamabad and Royal College of Defence Studies United Kingdom.

The Admiral has an illustrious naval career having wide ranging Command and Staff experience including Command of PNS KHAIBAR. His distinguished Staff appointments include Directing Staff at National Defence University, Director Naval Operations, Chief Staff Officer to Commander Pakistan Fleet, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operational Plans), Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) and Principal Secretary to Chief of the Naval Staff at Naval Headquarters Islamabad.

The Flag officer has performed duties as Additional Secretary at Ministry of Defence. Prior assuming the Command of Pakistan Fleet, the Admiral was performing duties as Commander Karachi. In recognition of his meritorious services, the Admiral was awarded Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military) by Government of Pakistan.

The Change of Command ceremony was attended by Pakistan Navy officers, CPOs/ Sailors and Navy Civilians.