Turkiye Honors Pakistan Naval Chief with Top Award

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Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, received Turkiye’s prestigious Legion of Merit for strengthening defense and maritime ties, marking a milestone in Pakistan-Turkiye relations.

On August 5, 2025, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Pakistan Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit of the Turkish Armed Forces, Turkiye’s highest military honor, during an official visit to Ankara. The award, presented by Admiral Ercument Tatlioglu, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, recognized Ashraf’s significant contributions to enhancing defense and maritime cooperation between the two nations. Upon arriving at the Turkish Naval Forces Headquarters, Ashraf was welcomed with a guard of honor, underscoring the deep respect between the two allies. The Pakistan Navy’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the ceremony highlighted Ashraf’s efforts in fostering stronger naval ties, a testament to the enduring Pakistan-Turkiye partnership.

During the visit, Admiral Ashraf held high-level meetings with key Turkish officials, including Minister of National Defence Yasar Guler, Chief of the General Staff General Metin Gurak, and Commander of the Turkish Navy Fleet Admiral Kadir Yildiz. Discussions focused on regional maritime security, joint exercises, and training exchanges, with Ashraf emphasizing the need for deeper collaboration through mutual visits and programs. He toured the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, receiving a briefing on the Pakistan Navy’s MILGEM project, a 2018 agreement for four corvettes, two built in Istanbul and two in Karachi. At Golcuk Naval Base, he inspected advanced submarine construction facilities and visited Turkish naval vessels, including TCG Oruçreis and S/M Pirireis, as well as the National Defence University (NDU).

Ashraf paid homage to Turkiye’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, by laying a wreath at his mausoleum, a gesture of respect for the nation’s historical legacy. The Pakistan Navy noted that the visit strengthens the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and strategic ties between the two countries, with both sides committed to expanding defense cooperation. This honor follows a history of mutual recognition, with previous Pakistani military leaders, including General Qamar Javed Bajwa in 2017, also receiving the Legion of Merit. The visit and award underscore Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability and its vital partnership with Turkiye.