Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf on Friday underscored the need to evolve traditional military doctrines in response to the shifting nature of modern warfare and emerging maritime security threats.
He was addressing the convocation ceremony of the 54th Pakistan Navy War College course, held in Lahore, where he served as the chief guest. A total of 118 officers, including 44 from allied countries, were conferred with degrees during the ceremony.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Admiral Naveed Ashraf emphasized the strategic importance of adapting to contemporary security challenges, particularly in the maritime domain. “The evolving character of conflict and the emergence of new threats in the maritime theatre necessitate a departure from conventional military strategies,” he remarked.
Highlighting regional dynamics, the Naval Chief referred to the recent escalation in tensions between Pakistan and India as a clear indication of how the nature of warfare continues to transform. “Such episodes serve as a stark reminder that the future of conflict lies beyond traditional battlefield boundaries,” he said.
He further noted that the growing influence of non-state actors and the prevalence of hybrid and non-conventional warfare demand a comprehensive rethink of existing military approaches. “We must remain intellectually agile and operationally prepared to counter multifaceted threats in the evolving strategic landscape,” Admiral Ashraf added.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of degrees to the graduating officers. The event was attended by senior military officials, dignitaries from the civil sector, and families of course participants.