Manama, Bahrain – The Pakistan Navy Ship ASLAT (F254), in direct support of Pakistan Navy-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, recently conducted counter-piracy patrols in an effort to ramp up presence in the eastern patrol areas of the Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) area of operations.

These patrols aim to deter piracy, armed robbery and other illicit activities to ensure the safety of vital sea lines of communications. CTF 151’s goal is to enhance focus on the eastern side of the AOO, while remaining cognizant of the piracy threat in the Gulf of Aden, the Scotra Gap and off the east coast of Somalia.

The deployment of PNS ASLAT reflects Pakistan Navy’s resolve to combat piracy and armed robbery, and protect global commons and ensure the free flow of maritime trade in the region. The F-22P Zulfiquar-class guided missile frigate, commissioned in 2013, is the second ship to bear the name “ASLAT.” The name “ASLAT” is derived from an Arabic word and is a type of sword used by Arabs during early days of Islam.

CTF 151 was established as a multinational task force in January 2009, and is one of five operational task forces under CMF. In conjunction with the EUNAVFOR, and together with independently deployed naval ships, CTF 151 helps to patrol the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor.

CMF headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 46 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.