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 calls for new global cricket body, says ICC ‘hostage to Indian politics’

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Pakistan calls for new global cricket body, says ICC ‘hostage to Indian politics’

  • Pakistan’s government has barred its team from playing against India in World Cup fixture on Feb.15
  • India generates largest share of cricket’s commercial revenue, enjoying overarching influence in the sport

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif called for a new global cricket governing body on Tuesday, saying that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has become hostage to Indian political interests amid a fresh row between the neighbors ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. 

Pakistan’s government announced earlier this week that it has cleared its national men’s team to play the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from Feb. 7. However, Islamabad said the national team will boycott its upcoming fixture against India on Feb. 15 without mentioning a reason. The ICC responded by saying that Pakistan’s decision was “not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.”

Pakistan’s dispute with the ICC can be traced back to it expressing displeasure recently at the cricket body’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland for the World Cup. Bangladesh had requested the global governing body shift its matches to any another venue outside India owing to security concerns, as political tensions surge Delhi and Dhaka surge. 

“A new international organization of cricket is needed to keep the spirit of the gentleman’s game alive,” Asif wrote on social media platform X. “ICC has become hostage to Indian political interests in South Asia.”

India generates the largest share of cricket’s commercial revenue and hence enjoys overarching influence over the sport. Critics argue that this financial contribution translates into decisive leverage within the ICC. 

A large part of that revenue comes from the Indian Premier League (IPL), the sport’s most lucrative T20 cricket competition, which is run by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Between 2024 and 2027, the IPL is projected to earn $1.15 billion, nearly 39 percent of the ICC’s total annual revenue, according to international media reports. 

The ICC is headed by Jay Shah, the son of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah. The ICC chair is expected to be independent from any cricket board and hence take impartial decisions.

India and Pakistan engaged in a military confrontation that lasted for four days in May last year before Washington brokered a ceasefire. Militaries of the two countries pounded each other with drones, missiles, fighter jets and exchanged artillery fire in what was the worst fighting between them since 1999. 

These bilateral tensions have made their way to cricket, with India refusing to shake hands with Pakistani cricketers during the September 2025 Asia Cup tournament between both sides. The two teams met for three matches, all of which India won, and did not shake hands before or after the fixtures. 

The two countries have not played a full bilateral series since 2012–13 due to political tensions. They meet largely at neutral venues.