ISLAMABAD: Military cadets from Saudi Arabia who completed their training from Pakistan’s Military Academy were recognized on Saturday as part of a passing out parade held in Kakul, Abbottabad.
The 46 Saudi national recruits were joined by others from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Palestine and Libya. “Cadets of the 138th PMA Long Course, 57th Integrated Course, 30th Technical Graduate Course and Grade 37 got commissioned as officers today,” Pakistan’s military media wing, ISPR, said in a statement.
The Saudi cadets will now join the Kingdom’s armed forces, a tweet by the Saudi embassy in Islamabad confirmed. The ISPR statement did not divulge any further details, such as the number of Saudi cadets participating in the program. However, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Zubair Mehmood Hayat, recognized the most distinguished trainees by awarding them for their performance.
Congratulating the cadets on their accomplishment, he said: “You will be fortunate to command the soldiers who are known for their unflinching loyalty and sense of sacrifice. Our soldiers are known for delivering best results in the most challenging environment.”
Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki and Brigadier Ali bin Muhammad Al-Safwan, Commander of Arar forces in Saudi Arabia, were among some of the distinguished guests who attended the ceremony.
Saudi cadets complete military training in Pakistan
Saudi cadets complete military training in Pakistan
- 46 Saudi cadets join other nationals from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Palestine and Libya in passing out parade
- Ceremony attended by Saudi envoy to Pakistan and Brig. Al-Safwan, among others
Pakistan to face Sri Lanka in T20 series on Wednesday as World Cup preparations intensify
- The series will help selectors finalize Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup starting next month
- Pakistan will play all World Cup matches in Sri Lanka, making the series key for adapting to local conditions
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in a three-match Twenty20 international series starting on Wednesday in Dambulla, as the visitors step up preparations for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The series, with matches scheduled for Jan. 7, 9 and 11, is expected to play a key role in shaping Pakistan’s final 15-member squad for the World Cup, which begins on Feb. 7. Pakistan will play all of their World Cup fixtures in Sri Lanka, making the bilateral series an important chance to adjust to local conditions and finalize combinations.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said the team would use the series to assess players and build momentum ahead of the global tournament.
“The series provides a great opportunity for everyone to perform,” Salman said at a pre-series news conference.
“Playing here ahead of the World Cup is a significant advantage for us, and we will look to acclimatize to the conditions as quickly as possible,” he continued.
Salman will continue to lead a T20 side that enjoyed a strong 2025, winning two tri-series tournaments and bilateral series against Bangladesh, West Indies and South Africa. The captain said the management was keen to test emerging players alongside established names.
“We have good players in our squad who are future prospects,” he added. “We want to give them opportunities, and I am hopeful they will deliver strong performances in the series.”
Pakistan have had the edge in recent T20 meetings with Sri Lanka, winning three of their last five encounters, including a knockout match at the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup in Dubai and the final of a tri-series in Rawalpindi.
Wednesday’s opening match will begin at 7 p.m. local time in Dambulla.
