ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy Ship, PNS Alamgir, visited Port Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, taking a break from its patrolling duties in the North Arabian Sea, a press statement from the Pakistan Navy said on Saturday.
The visit was part of a regional maritime security patrols project that aims to ensure the safety of international shipping along critical choke points, and for the two navies to discuss maritime cooperation.
Upon arrival at the port, the ship was given a warm reception, according to the statement, with PNS Alamgir’s Commanding Officer calling on the Deputy Western Fleet Commander Royal Saudi Naval Forces, to convey the Pakistan Navy Chief’s felicitations on Saudi National Day to their counterparts in the Kingdom.
The reception included a dinner hosted in honor of the visiting navy, with a dinner hosted onboard the ship that was attended by prominent guests including diplomats from Russia, Turkey, Somalia, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Philippines, Cameron, Egypt and Thailand.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a long history of maritime cooperation and collaboration, and PNS Alamgir’s short stay at the Jeddah port was a step to further enhance ties and initiatives between the two navies.
PNS Alamgir is fitted with state of the art weapons and sensors, and is capable of undertaking a wide range of maritime operations, the navy’s statement said.
Upon completion of the visit, the ship resumed its role in the North Arabian Sea where it is deployed for regional maritime security patrol.
Pakistan navy ship takes break from duties, visits Port Jeddah to warm welcome
Pakistan navy ship takes break from duties, visits Port Jeddah to warm welcome
- The two navies met to discuss maritime cooperation and security along critical choke points
- Upon completion of the visit, the ship resumed its role in the North Arabian Sea
Pakistan to begin first phase of Hajj 2026 trainings from today
- Training programs to be held in phases across Pakistan till February, says religion ministry
- Saudi Arabia allocated Pakistan a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2026
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry has said that it will begin the first phase of mandatory Hajj 2026 training for pilgrims intending to perform the pilgrimage from today, Thursday.
The one-day Hajj training programs will be held in phases across the country at the tehsil level until February. The ministry directed intending pilgrims to bring their original identity cards and the computerized receipt of their Hajj application to attend the training sessions.
“Pilgrims should attend the one-day training program according to their scheduled date,” Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) said in a statement.
The ministry said training schedules are being shared through the government’s Pak Hajj 2026 mobile application as well as via SMS. It added that details of the schedule are also available on its website.
According to the ministry, training programs will be held in Abbottabad on Jan. 2; Ghotki, Thatta and Kotli on Jan. 3; and Tando Muhammad Khan and Khairpur on Jan. 4.
Hajj training sessions will be held in Rawalakot, Badin and Naushahro Feroze on Jan. 5, while pilgrims in Fateh Jang, Dadu and Tharparkar will receive the training on Jan. 6.
The ministry said training programs will be conducted in Umerkot and Larkana on Jan. 7, followed by sessions in Mirpurkhas, Shahdadkot and Mansehra on Jan. 8.
Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry has previously said these trainings will be conducted by experienced trainers and scholars using multimedia.
It said the training has been made mandatory to ensure that intending pilgrims are fully aware of Hajj rituals and administrative procedures.
Saudi Arabia has allocated Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2026, of which around 118,000 seats have been reserved under the government scheme, while the remainder will be allocated to private tour operators.
Under Pakistan’s Hajj scheme, the estimated cost of the government package ranges from Rs1,150,000 to Rs1,250,000 ($4,049.93 to $4,236), subject to final agreements with service providers.
