In 2014, Vice-Admiral Saddique was in the race to be appointed as a four-star admiral and take over the command of the Navy as its Chief of Naval Staff, alongside with Vice-Admiral Zafar Abbasi and Vice-Admiral S. A. Hussaini.[12] However, the most senior admiral in the Navy, Admiral Moh'd Zakaullah was promoted to the four-star appointment, and Vice-Admiral Saddique was appointed as vice-chief of naval staff.[13][14]