ISLAMABAD: Pakistani ship “Zulfiquar” arrived at the port in Jeddah on Thursday as part of efforts to strength ties between the navies of the two friendly countries, the Pakistan navy said in a statement.
The Pakistani and Saudi naval forces have enjoyed close relations for decades. The Pakistani navy provided training to Saudi officers and sailors during the Saudi Navy’s formative years, while Saudi Arabia has given the Pakistan navy free-of-cost fuel on many occasions.
On arrival at the Jeddah port, the host navy and Pakistani diplomatic officials welcomed the ship and crew.
“Commander of the Saudi Navy Western Fleet Command and Commander Western Naval Aviation Group visited PNS Zulfiquar,” Pakistan Navy said in a statement.
Before arriving in Jeddah, the ship had participated in bilateral naval exercises with the Moroccan and Algerian navies, which included advanced Maritime maneuvers, Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), Boarding and Force Protection drills.
Saudi officials also discussed professional matters of mutual interest with the Pakistani ship’s commanding officer, who conveyed a message of goodwill from the Pakistani naval chief to the people of Saudi Arabia, especially members of the Saudi navy.
Earlier this year, Admiral Niazi visited Saudi Arabia to discuss bilateral defense ties in January.
Pakistan navy’s ‘Zulfiquar’ visits Jeddah Port in Saudi Arabia
https://arab.news/pnybs
Pakistan navy’s ‘Zulfiquar’ visits Jeddah Port in Saudi Arabia
- Pakistan navy provided training to Saudi officers and sailors during Saudi navy’s formative years
- Saudi Arabia has given the Pakistan navy free-of-cost fuel on many occasions
Customs seize narcotics, smuggled goods, vehicles worth $4.9 million in southwest Pakistan
- Customs seize 22.14 kg narcotics, consignments of smuggled betel nuts, Hino trucks, auto parts, says FBR
- Smuggled goods enter Pakistan’s Balochistan province from neighboring countries Iran and Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs seized narcotics, smuggled goods and vehicles worth a total of Rs1.38 billion [$4.92 million] in the southwestern Balochistan province on Tuesday, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) said in a statement.
Customs Enforcement Quetta seized and recovered 22.14 kilograms of narcotics and consignments of smuggled goods comprising betel nuts, Indian medicines, Chinese salt, auto parts, a ROCO vehicle and three Hino trucks in two separate operations, the FBR said. All items cost an estimated Rs1.38 billion, it added.
Smuggled items make their way into Pakistan through southwestern Balochistan province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan.
“These operations are part of the collectorate’s intensified enforcement drive aimed at curbing smuggling and dismantling illegal trade networks,” the FBR said.
“All the seized narcotics, goods and vehicles have been taken into custody, and legal proceedings under the Customs Act 1969 have been formally initiated.”
In the first operation, customs officials intercepted three containers during routine checking at FEU Zariat Cross (ZC) area. The containers were being transported from Quetta to Pakistan’s Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, the FBR said.
The vehicles intercepted included three Hino trucks. Their detailed examination led to the recovery of the smuggled goods which were concealed in the containers.
In the second operation, the staff of the Collectorate of Enforcement Customs, Quetta, intercepted a ROCO vehicle at Zariat Cross area with the local police’s assistance.
The driver was interrogated while the vehicle was searched, the FBR said.
“During interrogation, it was disclosed that drugs were concealed inside the spare wheel at the bottom side of the vehicle,” it said.
“Upon thorough checking, suspected narcotics believed to be heroin was recovered which was packed in 41 packets, each weighing 0.54 kilograms.”
The narcotics weighed a total of 22.14 kilograms, with an estimated value of Rs1.23 billion in the international market, the FBR concluded.
“The Federal Board of Revenue has commended the Customs Enforcement Quetta team for their effective action and reiterated its firm resolve to combat smuggling, illicit trade and illegal economic activities across the country,” it said.
