Retired Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila, former chief of the Pakistan Navy, joined the Chatroom with Shizza for a wide-ranging discussion on Pakistan's naval capabilities, maritime security, strategic deterrence and the country's evolving defense partnerships.
A career naval officer, Sandila served as chief of the Pakistan Navy from Oct 2011 to Oct 2014. During his tenure, the Pakistan Navy continued to strengthen its submarine warfare capabilities and maritime preparedness. He has since remained active in public service, with a focus on education and skills development for underprivileged children.
Speaking about the transformation of the Pakistan Navy, Sandila highlighted advances in technology, training and submarine warfare, including the induction of new submarines and the construction of additional vessels in Pakistan.
"We are no more 1971 war Navy. We are a different Navy," he said, pointing to changes in equipment, technology and training.
Pakistan Navy has also accelerated the induction of new platforms as part of its modernization drive. In April 2026, the Navy inducted PNS Khaibar, its second Babur-class corvette, while the first Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Hangor, was commissioned in China later that month and arrived in Karachi in June. The eight-submarine Hangor program includes four vessels to be built in Pakistan under a technology-transfer arrangement, strengthening the Navy's focus on undersea warfare.
The conversation also touched on the 2025 Pakistan-India confrontation, which saw intense aerial and ground engagements before a US-brokered ceasefire was reached. Islamabad said its armed forces effectively responded to Indian aggression and defended the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while the Pakistan Navy maintained a posture to protect the country's maritime front.
Reflecting on the confrontation, Sandila said Pakistan Navy's posture helped deter any attempt to approach the country's coastline, while highlighting the broader importance of maritime preparedness in national defense.
The former naval chief also discussed the role of maritime power in Pakistan's growing defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
He argued that the Navy would have an important role in protecting Pakistan's maritime interests as these partnerships develop.
Pakistan's strategic deterrence also featured in the discussion, with Sandila highlighting what he described as the importance of submarine-based second-strike capability.
He also shared his assessment of Pakistan's diplomatic role in regional affairs, including Islamabad's efforts to facilitate dialogue between the United States and Iran.
Beyond military and strategic affairs, Sandila reflected on life after uniformed service and his continued commitment to public service.
"I refuse to retire. The only difference is I don't wear a uniform now," he said.
Since retiring from the Navy, Sandila has focused on education and skills development for underprivileged children.
He discussed his efforts to improve the quality of education in existing public schools and encouraged Pakistanis to work with government institutions to expand educational opportunities and strengthen teaching standards.
Watch the full episode of the Chatroom with Shizza for the complete conversation.