Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf has stressed the urgent need to recalibrate conventional warfare doctrines in line with emerging technological and strategic realities, calling it a critical national requirement in the face of shifting regional dynamics and intensifying global competition in the Indian Ocean Region. During his visit to the Pakistan Navy War College in Lahore, Admiral Ashraf addressed participants of the 54th Staff Course and delivered a keynote on the evolving maritime security landscape and its implications for Pakistan. The visit was part of the Navy’s ongoing efforts to enhance intellectual and strategic acumen among mid-career officers.
“The Indian Ocean is undergoing rapid transformation as a result of geopolitical rivalries and shifting power centres,” the Naval Chief noted. “In such an environment, the ability to adapt our traditional warfare strategies to meet modern-day demands is not just a strategic preference—it is a strategic necessity.”
He said that Pakistan faces multidimensional maritime security challenges that require a forward-looking and technologically resilient force posture. Highlighting the centrality of human capital in future conflicts, Admiral Ashraf underscored that wars of tomorrow will be won not just by platforms, but by people equipped with intellect, innovation, and technological prowess.
“To secure national interests in this era of hybrid threats and rapid technological advancement, we must invest in a smart, agile, and tech-savvy workforce,” he stated.
Reaffirming the Pakistan Navy’s full-spectrum preparedness, Admiral Ashraf declared that the force remains vigilant and fully capable of countering both conventional and non-conventional threats across all domains. He praised the professional dedication, strategic insight, and academic commitment displayed by the course participants.
“The War College remains a cornerstone in shaping our future leadership, and I commend the officers for their hard work and successful completion of this critical phase in their professional development,” he said.
The address concluded with a call for sustained excellence, institutional innovation, and strategic foresight to navigate the complex maritime environment of the 21st century. Admiral Ashraf’s visit was marked by candid interactions with faculty and officers, reaffirming the Navy’s commitment to intellectual advancement and operational readiness.
