Turkiye has awarded its highest military naval award, the Legion of Merit of the Turkish Armed Forces, to Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Naveed Ashraf, in recognition of his role in boosting defence and maritime cooperation between the two nations.
Details of Naval Award
The award was presented by Admiral Ercument Tatlıoğlu, Commander of the Turkish Navy, during a formal ceremony at the Turkish Naval Forces Headquarters, where Admiral Ashraf was also given a guard of honour.
Details of the Visit of Admiral Ashraf
As part of his official visit to Turkiye, Admiral Ashraf met with:
- Defence Minister Yasar Guler
- Chief of General Staff Metin Gurak
- Commander of the Turkish Navy Fleet Admiral Kadir Yildiz
Their discussions focused on regional maritime security, joint naval exercises, training programs, exchange visits, and enhanced defence ties.
The CNS also visited the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, where he was briefed on the Milgem project, a cornerstone of Pakistan-Turkiye naval cooperation. Signed in 2018, the project includes the construction of four Milgem-class corvettes, two in Istanbul and two in Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.
In addition, he toured submarine construction at Golcuk Naval Base, and boarded several Turkish naval ships including TCG Oruçreis, S/M PIRIREIS, and NDU.
To honor Turkiye’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Admiral Ashraf also laid a wreath at his mausoleum in Ankara.
This award underscores the deepening military partnership between Pakistan and Turkiye, built on shared maritime interests, defence collaboration, and ongoing joint initiatives.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 5th, 2025
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