KARACHI: The Pakistan Navy announced on Tuesday it has assumed command of a multinational task force responsible for ensuring maritime security in the southeastern waters of the Middle East, operating in the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Gulf of Aden.
Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) is part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a 34-nation coalition aimed at promoting security and stability in some of the world’s most important shipping lanes, focusing on counter-terrorism, anti-smuggling and enhancing navigational security.
The CMF’s efforts are crucial for safeguarding the global maritime commons, particularly in regions that are widely viewed to be prone to piracy and militancy.
Pakistan’s Commodore Asim Sohail Malik assumed the command from Captain Colin Mathews of Royal Canadian Navy in Bahrain.
“Commodore Asim Sohail Malik underlined that CTF-150 area of responsibility consists of some of the world’s most challenging and important international waters,” said the Directorate General Public Relations of the Pakistan Navy.
“He assured that his team will strive to further strengthen efforts of the multinational task force to provide a robust security in the vital maritime region,” it added.
The Pakistan Navy has commanded the task force 12 times before.
The statement said the handing over of command to Pakistan the 13th time reflected “the trust and respect reposed in Pakistan Navy by the coalition partners.”
Commander Malik assured at the change of command ceremony of the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to work with coalition navies to maintain peace and stability within the task force’s area of responsibility.
