RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will host 200 Hajj pilgrims of families of victims of the terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand on the orders of King Salman, a Saudi Press Agency report said.
The attack in March by Brenton Tarrant on two mosques in the city killed 50 people and wounded dozens more.
The directive from King Salman was announced on Tuesday by Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abulaziz Al-Asheikh, the Minister of Islamic Affairs.
Al-Asheikh said that hosting of the families during Hajj season was part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to “confront and defeat terrorism” in all forms.
Al-Asheikh added that his ministry was working with the Saudi embassy in New Zealand to ensure the invitees have everything they need to perform Hajj during their visit.
Families of Christchurch shooting victims to be hosted by King Salman during Hajj
Families of Christchurch shooting victims to be hosted by King Salman during Hajj
- Nine Pakistanis were killed in the March 15 church shootout in New Zealand
- The royal directive aims to "confront and defeat terrorism," says Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs
Pakistan deploys F-16 Block-52 jets to Saudi Arabia for multinational air combat exercise
- PAF joins US, UK, Gulf and European air forces in Spears of Victory-2026
- Deployment comes amid expanding Pakistan-Saudi defense cooperation
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force has deployed F-16 Block-52 fighter aircraft to Saudi Arabia to take part in the multinational air combat exercise Spears of Victory-2026, marking a significant overseas deployment of its frontline combat jets, the military said on Monday.
The exercise is being hosted at King Abdulaziz Air Base and includes participation from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, France, Italy, Greece, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Kingdom and the United States, bringing together a wide range of advanced fighter aircraft and combat support elements.
Such multinational drills are designed to test air forces in complex, high-intensity scenarios, including large force employment, night composite air operations, integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, and operations in advanced electronic warfare environments. For Pakistan, participation provides exposure to contemporary combat doctrines and interoperability with leading Western and regional air forces.
“Pakistan Air Force contingent comprising F-16 Block-52 fighter aircraft, alongside dedicated air and ground crew, has arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to participate in the multinational aerial combat Exercise Spears of Victory-2026,” a PAF spokesperson said in a statement.
The statement said PAF pilots flying F-16 Block-52 aircraft equipped with modern avionics and beyond-visual-range capabilities would be “pitched against aircrew of participating Air Forces operating a wide array of sophisticated combat aircraft” during the exercise.
It added that for the international deployment, “PAF fighter aircraft undertook a non-stop flight from their home base in Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, demonstrating the long-range operational reach and expeditionary capabilities of Pakistan Air Force.”
The air force said participation in the exercise reflects its intent to validate operational preparedness in a contested, technology-driven battlespace while enhancing interoperability and professional exchange with partner air forces.
The deployment comes amid deepening defense ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The two countries have expanded military cooperation through joint exercises, training exchanges and defense agreements in recent years, including a mutual defense cooperation pact signed last year.
Saudi Arabia remains one of Pakistan’s closest defense and security partners in the Middle East, with regular engagement across air, land and naval domains.
