Daily Times

Pakistan Navy ship Khaibar with an embarked AL-43 helicopter, on Saturday, visited Port Mina Salman of Bahrain as a part of overseas deployment for Regional Maritime Security Patrols in North Arabian Sea. This exercise was in direct support of Multinational Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) currently being commanded by Pakistan Navy.

The PNS Khaiber has bee primarily deployed in the North Arabian Sea to ensure safety and security of these waters for international shipping.

The ship was warmly received by the Royal Bahrain Naval Force (RBNF)officials upon its arrival at the Port.

During its stay at Port Mina Salman, PNS KHAIBAR’s Commanding Officer separately called on Bahrain Coast Guard Commander Brigadier Alaa Siyadi and Royal Bahrain Naval Force Deputy Commander Commodore Salah Muhammad Jasim.

The Commanding Officer conveyed sincere regards from Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi to the Bahraini Navy and people of Bahrain.

He also highlighted that visit of PNS KHAIBAR was a manifestation of the multifaceted long term collaboration that existed between the two navies.

A reception was also held onboard PNS KHAIBAR, which was graced by US Naval Forces Central Command Commander/ US Fifth Fleet Commander/ Combined Maritime Forces Commander Vice Admiral James J Malloy as well as Royal Bahrain Naval Force Commander Rear Admiral Muhammad Yousuf Al-Asam.

Others in attendance included Deputy Head of Mission of Embassy of Pakistan and a large number of guests including ambassadors from China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Yemen, representative of Embassy of US and Defence Attaché of UK.

During his speech, the Commanding Officer apprised that Pakistan Navy, in line with the Government of Pakistan’s policy, was a regular contributor to the Combined Maritime Force since 2004 and had also commanded Multinational Combined Task Forces 150 and 151, eleven and eight times respectively.

He further added that Pakistan Navy would continue its efforts against asymmetric threats to ensure safety and security of the international waters.

Upon the culmination of its visit, the ship resumed its role in RMSP in the North Arabian Sea.

The ship would also operate under the direct support of Pakistan-led CTF-150.

Pakistan and Bahrain are tied in the eternal bonds of religion and brotherhood. This visit by PNS KHAIBAR would, surely, further enhance Pakistan Navy’s bilateral ties with Royal Bahrain Naval Force in diverse avenues.