Islamabad, January 29, 2026 — The Pakistan Navy on Thursday assumed command of the multinational Combined Task Force-150 (CTF-150) for the 14th time, during a change of command ceremony held at the headquarters of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in Bahrain.
At the ceremony, Commodore Muhammad Yasir Tahir of the Pakistan Navy formally took over command of CTF-150 from Commodore Fahad S. Al Joaid of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces.
Commitment to regional maritime security
Addressing the gathering, Commodore Muhammad Yasir Tahir said his team was fully prepared to undertake the responsibility of leading the task force and to contribute to maritime security and stability in the region. He reaffirmed the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to countering illicit maritime activities and ensuring the safety of critical sea lines of communication.
CTF-150 is one of five task forces operating under the CMF framework and is mandated to deter and disrupt non-state actors involved in the trafficking of weapons, narcotics, and other illegal goods across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Oman.
Multinational participation and recognition
According to an official statement, the Pakistan Navy’s continued leadership of CTF-150 reflects its sustained role in collaborative maritime security efforts. Anti-narcotics operations conducted by Pakistan Navy ships during the Royal Saudi Naval Forces’ tenure of command were cited as evidence of effective coordination and commitment to regional peace and stability.
The change of command ceremony was attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Saqib Rauf, Commander Combined Maritime Forces Vice Admiral Curt A. Renshaw, Commander Royal Bahrain Naval Forces Rear Admiral Ahmed Mohamed Ebrahim Al Bin Ali, and representatives of several other navies operating under the CMF.
