ISLAMABAD: The national flag will proudly wave atop a Pakistani ship in the Arabian Sea when the country takes over command of the Coalition Maritime Security (CMS) in April 2006.
The duration of the command will be nearly five months and this will be the first time that Pakistan will be sharing the honour with world navies to command the coalition of an international maritime force.
The region's aspiring naval power, India, is not included in the Maritime Coalition, which also includes nine naval powers such as the United States, Britain and Germany.
"Indeed this is a big honour. The task of the CMS will be two-fold, i.e. to carry out anti-terrorist activities to ensure that terrorists do not use the sea for travelling and also to ensure a role in anti-narcotics activities," DG ISPR General Shaukat Sultan told The News.
At present, the Pakistan Army has its hands full while contributing in the war against terrorism in Waziristan and fighting back militants in Balochistan. While the Pakistan Air Force has also played a limited role in the war against terrorism, this will be the first time that the "Men in White" will play such a leading international role in the maritime part of the war against terrorism.
Some in the government are a bit upset that German Defence Minister Dr Franz-Josef Jung stole their thunder and they were denied the chance of making a formal announcement.
"The brief is ready and we are going to make an announcement at an appropriate time" is how one official in the Navy commented.
He was hesitant to give details of Pakistan's role in the CMS as the brief had not been cleared as yet for the public.
It is rather surprising that though the German defence minister hinted at Pakistan's role and the Ministry of Defence gave details of the CMS, the Pakistan Navy chose to still wait for an appropriate time. It would have certainly helped its image if it had then immediately released details to media.
While the decision by Pakistan to command the CMS was taken about two months ago, the modalities are still being worked out. The name of the rear admiral who will lead the CMS is still awaiting approval by the Pakistan Navy.
Western defence sources say the rear admiral will be shore-based at the operational headquarters in Bahrain, while a captain will be at the helm of the Pakistani ship. The Pakistani contingent will comprise about 300 officers and sailors.
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