Vice Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah was appointed as vice chief of naval staff on Monday.
According to a press release by the Naval Headquarters (NHQ), Zakaullah was commissioned in the Pakistan Navy operations branch in June 1978. He is a recipient of the Sword of Honour.
He is a graduate of Royal Naval Staff College (UK) and National Defence University Islamabad.
He was awarded Chief of Naval Staff gold medal on his graduation.
Zakaullah holds a masters degree in defence studies from London University and a masters in war studies from the Quaid-e-Azam University.
He has commanded the destroyer PNS TIPU SULTAN, the 25th Destroyer Squadron and the Pakistan Naval Academy
His has previously held the posts of directing staff PN Staff College, assistant chief of naval staff (Plans) and defence attaché in Qatar.
As a flag officer he has served as National Accountability Bureau Rawalpindi director general, chief inspector (Navy), Combined Task Force-150 commander, deputy chief of naval staff (Training and Personnel), naval secretary and Pakistan Fleet commander.
Prior to his appointment as the vice chief, Zakaullah was serving at the NHQ as deputy chief of naval staff (Operations).
In recognition of his services, he has been awarded the President’s Award for Pride of Performance, President’s Medal, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) and
Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military).
Zakaullah has also twice had the honour of winning a gold medal in the Asian Games Sailing Championship.