From Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN – The Pakistan Navy guided-missile frigate PNS Zulfiquar (F 251), supporting Combined Maritime Forces’ Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, interdicted a vessel carrying 1.3 tons of hashish in North Arabian Sea, Oct. 12.

The ship was taking part in a focused operation, Himalayan Spirit, targeting illicit maritime activities, especially narcotics smuggling in North Arabian Sea as the profits generated from these illicit activities are used for terrorism and related criminal activities. Himalayan Spirit took place Oct. 8-14. 

Zulfiquar and the multi-purpose vessel, PMSS Kolachi, along with U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard vessels, took part in Himalayan Spirit. These ships were supported by aircraft from the Pakistan Navy and the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group. Information regarding suspicious vessels was regularly exchanged among participating units. This information was instrumental in the interdiction.

Commander CTF 150, Commodore Asim Sohail Malik, said the collaborative efforts involved were key to maintaining maritime security. He lauded the professionalism and swift response of Zulfiquar and the other units participating in Himalayan Spirit. 

“This interdiction not only reinforces Pakistan Navy’s commitment to international efforts for ensuring peace and security across world’s critical maritime chokepoints it also reflects shared commitment of all participating nations,” said Malik.

CTF 150 is one of five task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the world’s largest international naval partnership. CTF 150’s mission is to deter and disrupt the ability of non-state actors to move weapons, drugs and other illicit substances in the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.Combined Maritime Forces is a 46-nation naval partnership upholding the international rules-based order by promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes