Noman Bashir new Naval Chief

ISLAMABAD - President Asif Ali Zardari has appointed Vice Admiral Noman Bashir HI (M) as Chief of the Naval Staff and promoted him to the rank of Admiral.

Well-placed sources told TheNation on Sunday that President had chosen Vice Admiral Noman Bashir as Flag Officer from the list of three vice admirals purely on merit.

With brilliant career, Admiral Noman Bashir, brother of the incumbent Foreign Secretary, Salman Bashir, will succeed Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir, who will relinquish the command of Pakistan Navy after completion of his tenure.

According to Pakistan Navy press release, his promotion to the rank of Admiral will be effective from the date of taking over on October 7 at the change of command ceremony, scheduled at PNS Zafar Ground, Naval Complex, E-8 Islamabad.