Islamabad, Oct 6 (PTI): Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila was today named as the next chief of the Pakistan Navy and will take over when incumbent Noman Bashir retires later this week.

Shortly after his appointment as the new naval chief was announced, 57-year-old Sandila called on President Asif Ali Zardari, the supreme commander of the armed forces, at the presidency.

The President felicitated him on his promotion and appointment.

Zardari expressed the hope that during Sandila's tenure, the Pakistan Navy would be further strengthened and benefit from his leadership qualities.

Matters related to the navy were discussed during the meeting, said a statement from the presidency.

Admiral Bashir, the brother of foreign secretary Salman Bashir, is scheduled to retire on October 7.

He paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani this morning.

Sandila joined the Pakistan Navy in 1972 and was commissioned in the Operations Branch in 1975.