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
Islamabad rebuts claims of Pakistan being used as base for possible US strike on Iran
- Pakistan information ministry attributes the ‘reckless’ claims to ‘Afghanistan and Indian X accounts’
- ’Blame-pushing narrative tries to drag Pakistan into a US-Iran conflict without any evidence,’ it adds
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday refuted reports claiming that its territory could be used as a base for a possible US military strike on Iran, calling the claims a “reckless” attempt to drag Pakistani into a US-Iran conflict.
The Pakistan information ministry’s fact check account on X attributed the claims to “propaganda machineries Afghanistan and Indian X accounts,” identifying handles that claimed the US has moved aerial refueling (KC-135R) and surveillance aircraft to Pakistan.
The ministry said X accounts, @KHoorasanM_U1, @RealBababanaras and @AFGDefense, claimed these US aircraft are conducting unusual flights toward or into Iranian airspace and that Pakistan is being used as a base to support US stealth fighters (F-35/F-22) in a possible military strike on Iran.
Citing Reuters and Washington Post, the information ministry noted that while US refueling aircraft movements have been reported, but they were mostly linked to Europe, and there is no credible proof of any US aircraft based in Pakistan or any operational flights to Iran for a possible strike.
“This is a reckless, blame-pushing narrative that tries to drag Pakistan into a US-Iran conflict without any verifiable evidence,” the information ministry said on its fact check account on X, urging people not to share sensational military stories from “propaganda pages.”
“For national security and defense matters, rely only on ISPR (Inter-Services Public Relations), MoIB (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting), MoFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and reputable defense outlets.”
The development comes amid weeks of public unrest in Iran over worsening economic conditions and a government crackdown on protesters.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 572 people have been killed, including 503 protesters and 69 members of security forces. It said more than 10,600 people have been detained over the two weeks of protests.
The group relies on supporters in Iran cross-checking information, AP reported.
With the Internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. Iran’s government has not offered overall casualty figures.
US President Donald Trump last week threatened to intervene militarily if Tehran continued to kill protesters. He said late Sunday his administration was in talks to set up a meeting with Tehran but cautioned that he may have to act before then as reports of deaths mount and the government continues to arrest protesters.
“Iran called, they want to negotiate,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One.
Iran did not acknowledge Trump’s comments immediately. It has previously warned the US military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if America uses force to protect demonstrators.
Separately, China said it opposes foreign “interference” in other countries.
“We always oppose interference in other countries’ internal affairs,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular news conference on Monday, when asked about Trump’s comments. “We call on all parties to do more things conducive to peace and stability in the Middle East.”
