ISLAMABAD / DHAKA: Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf completed an important visit to Bangladesh, meeting senior military leaders to boost regional security and defense cooperation. The visit coincided with the docking of the Pakistani warship PNS Saif at Chattogram port. Officials described the trip as a historic step to deepen bilateral naval relations and mutual respect between the two nations.
During his visit, Admiral Ashraf held discussions with Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar Uz Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral M Nazim Hassan, Air Chief Marshal Hassan Mahmood Khan, and Principal Staff Officer Lieutenant General S M Qamrul Hassan. The talks focused on professional collaboration, regional maritime security, and expanding defense partnerships. The meetings emphasized the importance of joint efforts for regional peace.
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Admiral Ashraf also toured the National Defence College and Bangladesh Naval Academy, praising the institutions and highlighting the need for modern training in a rapidly evolving maritime environment. At Chattogram, he met the Commander of Chattogram, the Commander of the Bangladesh Navy Fleet, and the Area Superintendent of the Dockyard, further strengthening professional ties.
A reception was held aboard PNS Saif, attended by the Bangladeshi Navy Chief, diplomats, military officials, media, and business representatives. The ceremony reinforced shared commitments to peaceful cooperation in the Bay of Bengal and the broader Indian Ocean region.
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The visit reflects improved Islamabad-Dhaka relations, following high-level engagements earlier this year. In August, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, marking the first such visit in 13 years. In October, both countries held the 9th Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission after a 20-year gap, strengthening bilateral economic and development ties.