Sometimes, an admiral may be called a full-admiral or a four-star admiral to distinguish the rank from other insignias such as three-star vice admiral, two-star rear admiral, fleet admiral or just "Admiral".[1]
Appointment and retirement
The appointment of admiral is made by the President of Pakistan, however appointment and reappointment advice is done by the prime minister.[5][6] Since country is governed by the Parliament of Pakistan as amended in constitution, the President plays a signatory-role in armed forces who exercises the power of the commander-in-chief in the country and determines the tenure of admiral in a joint effort with country's prime minister.
The retirement or service extension are governed by the constitution, however it is exercised by the president under certain rules and regulations.[7] The maximum age is set to 64, however it may not be applicable in times of state of emergency and crises such as ongoing armed conflict or any other situation that affects the national interest.[8]
Statutory limits
Because of the vast array of armed roles and responsibilities, coupled with a conspicuous presence on the national scene, the law of Pakistan restricts the unsanctioned use of power by a four-star admiral and can be constraint under a certain constitutional amendment.[9][10] An admiral can be explicitly removed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan over corruption charges or any other illegal activity involving national security.[11]