ISLAMABAD - Former Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karamat Rehman Niazi was laid to rest in Islamabad on Tuesday.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, besides former naval chiefs, retired and serving tri-services officials and civilians, participated in late admiral's funeral prayer. According to Pakistan Navy officials, the admiral had an illustrious naval career spanning over four decades. He had the unique honour of being the first commanding officer of Pakistan’s first Submarine GHAZI, remained pioneer commander of submarines squadron and director of submarine operations. The admiral was one of the valiant war veteran who saw action in both 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars. During the war of 1965, the admiral was commanding maiden Pakistani submarine GHAZI and under his bold and able leadership, GHAZI kept the entire Indian fleet confined in its harbour. "Not only this naval action infused fear in the enemy lines but provided significant strategic leverage to Pakistan," said the Pak Navy press release. The admiral in all his professional pursuits exhibited dynamic leadership skills, impeccable moral strength, extraordinary professional competence and highest sense of responsibility.

Admiral Karamat Rehman Niazi joined Royal Pakistan Navy in November 1948 and completed his initial training from Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth, UK. He was a graduate of National Defence College, Pakistan. In March 1979, he was appointed as 8th Naval Chief of Pakistan Navy. The admiral had dynamic and distinguished career encompassing various command and staff assignments, both afloat and ashore including commander submarines, commander 25th Destroyer Squadron and Commander Pakistan fleet. He also served as deputy chief of naval staff (operations) and vice chief of naval staff. In recognition of his military valour, meritorious services and outstanding performance, the admiral was awarded Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-e-Jurrat.

Floral wreath was laid by Chief of the Naval Staff on admiral’s grave. Besides, floral wreaths on behalf of President of Pakistan, Prime Minister, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, senior naval officers and notable civilian were also laid on the grave. Meanchile, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Nadeem Raza and Air Chief Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu have expressed heartfelt condolences over the sad demise of former Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karamat Rahman Niazi (retired).

“May Allah bless his soul and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss, Ameen,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) directorate quoted the COAS as having said as he expressed his condolences. The ISPR further said that CJCSC General Nadeem Raza also offered deepest condolences over the sad demise of the former Chief of Naval Staff. “My thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved family. May Allah rest the departed soul in eternal peace, Ameen,” the CJCSC said. Meanwhile, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force also expressed his profound grief over the sad demise of Admiral (Retd) Karamat Rahman Niazi, Ex Chief of Naval Staff (1979 - 1983).  The Air Chief extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal bliss of the departed soul. Lauding the meritorious services of the late Admiral, the Air Chief said that Admiral (Retd) Karamat Rahman Niazi was an epitome of excellence and grace, who would remain a role model for the coming generations of officers and sailors, according to the media wing of the PAF.