ISLAMABAD: The Chief of Pakistan's Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, has been conferred with the highest military medal of the United Arab Emirates, Radio Pakistan reported on Thursday.
Niazi is the first Pakistani naval chief to get the award which was presented during an “impressive" ceremony held at the UAE Embassy in Islamabad today, Thursday.
“According to the spokesperson of Pakistan Navy, the Medal was conferred to the Naval Chief by Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed forces Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in recognition of his outstanding professional services and efforts to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation between the two brotherly countries,” Radio Pakistan said.
Niazi was commissioned in the Operations Branch of the Pakistan Navy in 1985 and won the coveted Sword of Honour on completion of his initial training at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi.
His command appointments include Pakistan Fleet Commander, Commanding Officer of PNS Badr and PNS Tariq, 18th Destroyer Squadron Commander, Commandant PNS Bahadur and Commandant Pakistan Navy War College and Commander Central Punjab, Lahore.
Niazi became naval chief in October last year. He has won the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the third-highest honour and civilian award in Pakistan. He has also received the Chevalier Knight Medal from France, among many other awards.