On commissioning, the officer won the coveted Sword of Honour from Pakistan Naval Academy. During his distinguished career, the Admiral attained vast experience of both command and staff appointments. His command appointments include Command of Surface ships, Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy, Commander 25th Destroyer Squadron, DG Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, Commander Coast, Commander Logistics and Command of Multi-National Combined Task Force 150 at HQ NAVCENT Bahrain.
Some of his key staff appointments include ACNS (Plans) and Chief Inspector (Navy). He is presently serving as Commander Pakistan Fleet. He is a graduate of Royal Australian Navy Staff College and National Defence University Islamabad. In recognition of his meritorious service, the Admiral has been awarded Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military). Vice Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussaini was commissioned in Operations branch of Pakistan Navy in June 1981.
The officer undertook initial training at Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth, UK. During his distinguished career, the Admiral attained vast experience of both command and staff appointments. His command appointments include Command of Surface ships and Commander 9th Auxiliary and Mine Warfare Squadron. Some of his key staff appointments include ACNS (Plans), ACNS (Frigates Programme), ACNS (Personnel), DCNS (Personnel), Naval Secretary and DG (Joint Warfare and Training JSHQ. He is presently serving as Commander Karachi and Commander Coast. He is a graduate of Command and Staff College Quetta, National Defence University Islamabad and National Defence University China. In recognition of his meritorious service, the Admiral has been awarded Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-e-Basalat.