Pakistan has handed over the Command of Multinational Task Force CTF-150 to Germany at the deck of PNS Shahjahan anchored at the Mina Salman port in the waters of North Arabian Sea, an official statement said. Besides the outgoing and incoming Commanders of the CTF-150, the Commander Combined Forces Maritime component Command Vice admiral Patrick Walsh, Ambassadors of Pakistan and Germany to Bahrain, a large number of officers and men of both the navies were also present. Vice Admiral Walsh appreciated the role of Pakistan Navy saying, “The Pakistan Navy is a strategic partner in the global war on terrorism and we are reassured to know Pakistan's participation will continue.” He said under Pakistan's leadership, CTF-150 continued its success and provided a peaceful and secured environment at the shallow and deep waters from the Mekran coast to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. “Our presence represents a cooperative, coordinated, and collective commitment, against an enemy whose goal is a brutal and repressive regime based on violent ideology,” Walsh said. “Your presence here today is reflective of the goals of the international community that regardless of culture, religion, or language, people desire a world where they are secure and free to pursue social, economic, and their own religion growth - a world of tolerance,” he added. Walsh appreciated the role of commander CTF-150 Rear Admiral Shahid Iqbal, whose leadership, guidance and insight have set the standard high for others to follow. Iqbal gave brief review about his four months command and said Pakistan being a progressive and moderate Muslim country remains committed towards regional peace and stability. “Our national leadership continues to promote moderation and restraint at domestic as well as international levels, while at the same time committing its resources to curb and deter terrorism wherever possible.” Iqbal expressed confidence that the stage has been set for participation by regional countries in the maritime security of the area and results to this effect are to be witnessed in the near future. Later, he formally handed over the command to German Commander Rear Admiral Lange. Pakistan had taken over the Command of CTF on April 24, 2006 from the Netherlands, as part of the international coalition in combating global war on terror. The Task Force included naval assets of the US, Britain, Australia, Italy, Germany, and Netherlands. The Headquarters of the Task Force is situated in Bahrain, which works in coordination with US Central Command Headquarters in Florida, USA. During the command of Pakistan, a number of significant achievements were made by the CTF-150, like effectively checking the increasing trends of piracy along the Somalian Coast besides curbing the menace of human trafficking.
