ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday has promoted Vice Admiral Zakaullah to the rank of Admiral and appointed him the Chief of Pakistan Navy on the advice of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Admiral Zakaullah is expected to assume command of the Pakistan Navy on October 7 at the Navy Headquarters in Islamabad.

The outgoing Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Asif will hand over the command to him.

The practice of appointing naval chiefs from amongst the Vice Admirals has been scrupulously followed by all governments.

Earlier in 2011, Sandila was promoted to the rank of Admiral and appointed Chief of the Naval Staff.

Also read: Sandila appointed navy chief