Muhammad Zakaullah

Muhammad Zakaullah (Urdu: ; born 10 January 1958 ) is a retired admiral in the Pakistan Navy, who was the 20th Chief of Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy. He was succeeded by Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi.

He is noted for his sportsmanship, having represented Pakistan at the Olympics for a sailing class category and being a gold medallist at the 1990 Asian Games, for which he is a recipient of a national honor.

As naval chief, Admiral Zakaullah is noted for revolutionizing the role of the navy, emphasizing the role of the navy in economic corridor with China and took initiatives to strengthened ties with the Turkish Navy. He also played an active role in establishing the very low frequency facility to provide communications with the submarines as well as ensuring the second-strike capability by commissioning the cruise missile system in the strategic command of the Navy.

Biography Early life and career in Navy Muhammad Zakaullah was born into a Muhajir (Ethnic Indian) family in Lyalpur (now Faisalabad) in Punjab, Pakistan on 10 January 1958. Sub-Lieutenant Zakaullah gained commission in the Operations Branch, and was sent to United Kingdom for his training and education later in his career.

He did his military training from the Royal Naval Staff College, and later attended the London University where he gained MA in Defence studies. He also attended and graduated from the Quaid-e-Azam University, having attained an MSc in War Studies.

Upon returning to Pakistan, he joined the faculty of National Defence University to teach war studies.

War and staff appointments

Zakaullah qualified as a surface officer from the United Kingdom, serving first on the Babur which he later commanded as Commander. Captain Zakaullah served as the Directing Staff at the Pakistan Naval War College before taken as secondment by the President Musharraf.

His other command appointments included his role as Chief Inspector of Naval Police and military secretary to Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz for a short period of time. Rear-Admiral Zakaullah also commanded the CTF–150 in Arabian Sea to guard off operations on Somalian piracy.

At the Naval Headquarters, he was appointed as ACNS (Plans), DCNS (Training and Personnel), and DCNS (Operation).

At the height of border escalation with India, he reportedly responded to the media that Pakistan had the ability to respond to any disturbance of border.

In an emergency address to the media representatives at the ISPR directorate, he quoted to the media that "Pakistan forces are prepared for any critical situation."

Government appointments Zakaullah was a close ally of President Pervez Musharraf. To support President Musharraf's anti-corruption campaign, Commodore Zakaullah was appointed as Director-General of the National Accountability Bureau from 1999 till 2003, before taking over the command of the 25th Destroyer Squadron. He won a gold medal each at the two editions of Asian Games.

2016 The Legion of Merit (Degree of Commander)

(USA)

2016 Order of King Abdul Aziz (1st Class)

(Saudi Arabia)

2017 The Order of Military Service (Malaysia)

2017

Foreign Decorations