Pakistan takes over multi-national Task Force-150 command
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, April 24,IRNA -- The Pakistan Navy (PN) will take over command of the multi-national Task Force-150 of the Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan (CMCP) on Monday (today), the PN said. CMCP is the maritime component of Operation Enduring Freedom launched by a US-led coalition of naval forces in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Arabian Gulf and Horn of Africa since October 2001.
In recognition of the PN's professional ability and increased mutual confidence, Pakistan has been offered the Command of Multi- National Task Force Group 150, a Pakistan Navy statement said.
Presently the command is held by the Netherlands Navy.
Pakistan will be the first non-NATO country to take over the command.
Pakistan Rear Admiral Shahid Iqbal will be the commander of Task Force-150.
Vice-Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Harooon has arrived here from Pakistan to attend the handing over ceremony, the PN statement said.
The legal basis for Operation Enduring Freedom is UN Resolution 1373 adopted by the UN Security Council at its 8345th meeting on September 28, 2001, according to the statement.
The operation aims to prevent, deter and destroy international terrorist organizations by denying them the use of the maritime environment thereby contributing towards stability and security in the Indian Ocean.
This will go a long way in projecting Pakistan's positive image in the international community and will significantly highlight the PN's contribution to the global war on terrorism, it said.
Upon obtaining the approval of the government of Pakistan, the Pakistan Navy joined the CMCP in April 2004.
Other nations presently participating in the CMCP are the US, Britain, France, Australia, Italy, Japan, Germany, Netherlands and Spain.
2020/235/2321/1414
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