First Pakistan Navy Chief Visit Bangladesh Since 1971 Liberation War

Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf has embarked on a three-day official visit to Bangladesh, marking the first visit by a Pakistan Navy chief since the 1971 Liberation War. The visit underscores an effort to strengthen defence ties and cooperation between the two nations.

Admiral Ashraf paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman at Army Headquarters. Discussions focused on ways to strengthen defence relations, enhance military capabilities, and expand cooperation through bilateral training, seminars, and exchange visits. The Admiral also praised the professionalism of Bangladeshi personnel in the recent joint naval exercise, AMAN.

He also met with Bangladesh Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan at the Naval Headquarters in Banani. Upon arrival, he received a guard of honour. The chiefs exchanged views on professional and training cooperation.

Earlier in the day, Admiral Ashraf honoured the members of the armed forces who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1971 Liberation War by placing a wreath at Shikha Anirban in Dhaka Cantonment.

Admiral Ashraf is scheduled to meet with the Chief of Air Staff, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, the Commandant of the National Defence College, and naval administrative authorities in Chattogram.

The visit coincides with the four-day goodwill visit of the Pakistan Navy ship PNS SAIF to Chattogram, which arrived on Saturday. The ship's crew will visit naval facilities and places of interest, while members of the Bangladesh Navy will visit PNS SAIF for professional exchange.

Admiral Naveed Ashraf and PNS SAIF are scheduled to conclude their visit on November 12, 2025.