KARACHI: A Pakistan navy destroyer deployed in the Arabian Sea to safeguard international shipping visited the Bahrain port of Mina Salman as part of its mission to strengthen maritime security in the region.
The ship, the Khaibar, is operating in direct support of the Pakistan-led Multinational Combined Task Force 150, Rear Adm, Muhammad Arshad Javed, Pakistan navy director of public relations, told Arab News on Sunday.
He said the deployment of the destroyer, which carries an AL-43 helicopter, is focused on ensuring the safety and security of the North Arabian Sea for international shipping.
“The regional maritime security patrols are Pakistan’s own initiative,” Javed said.
The Pakistan navy ship was greeted by officials of Royal Bahrain Naval Force on its arrival at the port.
During their stay at Mina Salman, the Khaibar’s commander called on Brig. Alaa Siyadi, commander of the Bahrain Coast Guard, and Commodore Salah Muhammad Jasim, deputy commander of the Royal Bahrain Naval Force.
The commanding officer said the Khaibar’s visit highlighted “the long-term collaboration between the two naval forces.”
Vice Adm. James J. Malloy, commander US Naval Forces Central Command/commander US Fifth Fleet, and Rear Adm. Mohammed Yousuf Al-Asam, commander of the Royal Bahrain Naval Force, attended a reception aboard the Khaibar.
“The Pakistan navy will continue its efforts against asymmetric threats to ensure the safety and security of the international waters,” the Khaibar’s commanding officer told the reception.
Pakistan destroyer boosts security with Bahrain visit
Pakistan destroyer boosts security with Bahrain visit
- The ship will also be operating under the direct support of Pakistan led CTF-150
- Regional Maritime Security Patrols in North Arabian Sea Pakistan's own initiative, spokesperson says
Pakistan police tighten New Year’s Eve security in capital, warn of jail time for aerial firing
- More than 350 traffic policemen have been deployed to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow
- New Year celebrations in Pakistan witness heightened security to prevent one-wheeling, rash driving
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s capital police warned on Wednesday anyone engaging in aerial firing on New Year’s Eve in Islamabad could face jail time, as authorities deployed more than 350 traffic officers to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow.
Around eight special traffic squads have been formed to curb one-wheeling and rash driving, according to Pakistani state media. The report quoted an Islamabad traffic police spokesperson urging parents to prevent minors from underage driving.
New Year’s Eve in Pakistan sees heightened security in major cities such as Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, with authorities increasing police presence to control incidents like aerial firing that have caused deaths in the past.
“Whoever fires in the air will go straight to jail,” said the law enforcement department in a post on X. “Islamabad Police will take strict action against those who fire in the air.”
The post said the police were “determined to ensure security and traffic flow on the occasion of the New Year.”
“One-wheeling is a crime that inevitably results in lifelong disability or loss of precious lives,” it added.
According to a report by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), heavy vehicles will be barred from entering Islamabad between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. It added that parking on roads will be prohibited, and police will remain on duty throughout the night.
Aerial firing is a common but dangerous practice in Pakistan during celebrations, and it has caused several fatalities in the past.
More than 20 people including two women were injured in multiple incidents of aerial firing in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi on the last New Year’s Eve.
According to data compiled by Karachi Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed, 19 people were injured due to aerial firing in 2020, 11 in 2021, 20 in 2022, 40 in 2023 and 26 in 2024.
