Commander Karachi

The Commander Karachi (COMKAR) is a formal designation in the Pakistan Navy, typically held by a three-star vice admiral. The COMKAR heads the Pakistan Karachi Command, overseeing the administration and operation of all naval establishments and training units in Karachi. It is one of the six command-in-field designations in the navy and ranks as the second-highest position after the commander, Pakistan Fleet (COMPAK). The current commander of the Karachi Command is vice admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi who assumed the role on 12 October 2024.

In 1994, the Pakistan Navy operated under four main commands: COMPAK, responsible for the fleet; COMLOG, overseeing logistics; COMFORNAV, managing naval installations in northern Pakistan; and COMKAR, which has been serving as the naval head of Karachi Command and is responsible for overseeing the only major naval base in Karachi.

Role and responsibilities

As suggested in the PN organizational structure, COMKAR reports directly to the vice chief of the Naval Staff. The position holds a rank equivalent to the departmental chiefs of Staff for Operations, Personnel, and Logistics. Unlike the chiefs of Staff—who serve in staff roles and are subordinate to the vice chief of Staff, and ultimately to the chief of Staff—COMKAR performs the only command-in-field duties regardless of holding an equivalent rank to the departmental chiefs of Staff.

The COMKAR oversees various shore units within the Pakistan Navy, which play central roles in naval training, support, and operations. These units collectively contribute to maintaining operational readiness, addressing professional capabilities, and supporting the administrative and logistical needs of the navy. As of 2924, all eleven units, including the Pakistan Naval Academy, are responsible to the Commander, Karachi.

The COMKAR is also responsible for the command and control of the PNS Bahadur, a premier training institute for officers and sailors; PNS Dilawar, specializing in advanced naval training; PNS Himalaya, focusing on the initial training of recruits; and PNS Karsaz, which provides technical and professional education. The officer is also responsible for the administration of the PNS Nigraan, responsible for inspections; PNS Rahat and PNS Shifa, both operating as naval hospitals with medical and advanced healthcare facilities; PNS Rahbar, which manages seamanship and navigation training; PNS Rahnuma, supporting operational planning and guidance; and the Submarine Training Centre (STC), which offers specialized submarine training programs. and the PNS Submarine Training Centre, a specialized training program.

Appointment

As suggested by the sources such as ''Business Recorder'', ''Dawn'' and Geo News, COMKAR is typically held by a three star vice admiral, depending on professional experience in command and control. The appointment is made by the Navy; however, since the navy operates under the chief of the Naval Staff, officers are typically appointed by the naval chief.

Appointment style

The change of command, a formal military tradition, for the Commander Karachi (COMKAR) is held at the naval headquarter, Karachi. During the event, a guard of honor is presented, and the departing commander formally hands over the scroll of command to the newly appointed officer, suggesting the transfer of formal responsibilities.

List of commanders

References

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Pakistan Navy appointments