Muhammad Zakaullah

Vice-Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah (Urdu: محمد ذكاءالله; SI(M), TI(M)), is a senior fleet commander and currently serving on the military assignment of DCNS Naval Operations, as of 2013. Besides on military assignment, Zakaullah is an avid sportsman, having being decorated by President of Pakistan with Pride of Performance for outstanding performance in yachting.

Academia
Zakaullah joined the Pakistan Naval Academy in 1975 and graduated with B.A. in 1978, earning commission in the operation branch. He earned master's degree from Royal Naval Staff College in the United Kingdom and attended the London University where he obtained MA in Defence studies and MSc in War studies from Quaid-e-Azam University. Upon returning to Pakistan, he joined the faculty of and National Defence University to teach war studies.

Career in navy
He started his active duty as a qualified Principle Warfare officer (PWO) in Babur warship and was later promoted as executive officer of the Tippu-Sultan warship which he would later command as well. As Commodore, he briefly served in the National Accountability Bureau during the regime of Pervez Musharraf. His key military assignments and staff appointments include the command of 25th Destroyer Squadron and Combined Task Force-150 in Arabian sea. His last assignment included command of the Pakistan Naval Fleet as its senior commander. ''

On the height of border escalation with India, he reportedly responded to the incident to media that, Pakistan has ability to answer the disturbance of border. In an emergency address to the media representatives at the ISPR directorate, he quoted to the media that "Pakistan forces are prepared for any critical situation." Answering the question of Indian Army's further capabilities, Admiral Zakaullah said that Pakistan was not concerned due to New Delhi's ground capability as it had the ability to defend itself against any aggression. He is presently on military assignment of Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS) of Naval Operations, as of 2013.

Sportsmanship
He is a keen Yachtsman and has represented Pakistan at Numerous International events, including 1984 Olympics and Asian Games of 1986 and 1990. He has won Gold medal at the Asian Games twice. He is also a recipient of President’s Award for Pride of Performance for outstanding performance in yachting.