Pakistan, South Korea conduct joint drill in Arabian Sea to deter piracy, drug trafficking

The handout photo released by public relations department of Pakistan Navy on November 27, 2024, shows Pakistan Navy ship “Zulfiqar” conducting a passage exercise (PASSEX) with the Republic of Korea Navy ship Wang Geon in the North Arabian Sea. (Photo courtesy: DGPR - Pakistan Navy)
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Updated 27 November 2024
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Pakistan, South Korea conduct joint drill in Arabian Sea to deter piracy, drug trafficking

  • Exercise included tactical maneuvers and communication drills to foster interoperability
  • Pakistan, South Korea are both part of 46-nation Combined Maritime Forces partnership

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy’s PNS Zulfiqar conducted a joint exercise with South Korea’s Wang Geon ship in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday, the navy said, with the drill aimed at intensifying efforts to deter illicit maritime activities such as piracy and drug trafficking. 

Both ships took part in the exercise under the task forces of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), CTF-150 and CTF-151, respectively. The CMF is a 46-nation naval partnership, which exists to promote security, stability and prosperity worldwide. 

Pakistan Navy said the Passage Exercise included tactical maneuvers and communication drills, adding that these were aimed at enhancing operational interoperability and fostering professional ties between the two navies. 

“CTF-150 and CTF-151 focus on deterring illicit maritime activities such as drug trafficking and piracy, which threaten security in international waters,” the navy said in a statement. 

Pakistan said the exercise demonstrated both navies’ commitment to uphold maritime security, support lawful activities at sea and promote stability and cooperation in the region.

“Pakistan and the Republic of Korea consistently contribute ships and aircraft to maritime security efforts under the CMF banner,” the navy said.

“This collaboration is particularly valuable for building mutual understanding and operational synergy.”

Pakistan Navy regularly collaborates and holds joint military exercises with allies and countries that are part of the CMF to deter piracy, drug trafficking and other illicit maritime activities. 
 


Pakistan announces compensation for Islamabad mosque blast that killed over 30

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Pakistan announces compensation for Islamabad mosque blast that killed over 30

  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visits Islamabad mosque, meets family members of victims who were killed in blast
  • Sharif announces compensation of $18,000 for relatives of those killed in attack, $10,800 for those seriously injured

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced compensation for the victims of a suicide attack earlier this month that targeted a mosque in Islamabad, vowing that sacrifices of those who gave their lives would not go in vain. 

At least 32 people were killed and over 150 others sustained injuries in a suicide blast last Friday that targeted Imam Bargah Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra mosque in the Tarlai Kallan area located on Islamabad’s outskirts.

The blast occurred during Friday prayers at the packed mosque, with Daesh saying one of its militants had targeted the congregation by detonating an explosive vest.

Sharif visited the mosque with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other officials on Wednesday. He met relatives of the blast and offered prayers for them. 

“Rs5 million [$18,000] will be given to the families of each martyr, Rs3 million [$10,800] to those seriously injured, and Rs1 million [$3,600] to others who suffered minor injuries,” a statement from Sharif’s office said. 

Sharif also announced Rs10 million [$36,800] for the family of Aun Abbas, who had resisted the suicide bomber. He later visited Abbas’ residence and offered prayers for his soul and met his family. 

“The entire nation, including myself, is deeply grieved over the heinous, despicable, and extremely deplorable act of terrorism on Feb. 6,” the Pakistani prime minister said. 

During his visit to the mosque, the prime minister was briefed about the attack by police and district administration authorities who accompanied him. 

Friday’s mosque blast was the deadliest in Islamabad since a 2008 suicide bombing at the Marriott Hotel that killed 63 people and wounded more than 250. In November last year, a suicide bomber struck outside a court in the capital, killing 12 people.

Tallal Chaudry, Pakistan’s state minister for interior, blamed the Islamabad mosque attack on militants that he said were “sponsored by India and supported by Afghanistan.”

Both countries have always denied Islamabad’s accusations of supporting militant groups who carry out attacks in Pakistan.