Saudi, Pakistani naval commanders meet in Islamabad, discuss regional maritime security

In this handout photograph, taken and released by the Pakistan Navy, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf (left) shakes hands with Rear Admiral Sajer bin Rafeed Al-Anezi, commander of eastern fleet of the Royal Saudi Navy, at the Pakistan Navy headquarters in Islamabad on November 13, 2023. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Navy)
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Updated 13 November 2023
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Saudi, Pakistani naval commanders meet in Islamabad, discuss regional maritime security

  • Pakistani naval chief welcomed Rear Admiral Sajer bin Rafeed Al-Anezi upon arrival at the naval headquarters 
  • Pakistan Navy says the honorable guest appreciated its efforts for maritime security and stability in the region 

ISLAMABAD: Rear Admiral Sajer bin Rafeed Al-Anezi, commander of eastern fleet of the Royal Saudi Navy, on Monday met with Pakistani Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf in Islamabad and discussed with him regional maritime security among other affairs, Pakistan Navy said.
The meeting was held at the Pakistan Navy headquarters, where the Pakistani naval chief welcomed the dignitary, according to a statement issued by Pakistan Navy’s directorate of public relations.
“During the meeting, views were exchanged on mutual interest affairs and regional maritime security,” the statement read.
The honorable guest appreciated Pakistan Navy’s efforts for maritime security and stability in the region, according to the statement.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have deep cultural, defense and economic ties that are deeply rooted in history and religion, while the Kingdom is home to over two million Pakistani expatriates.
Pakistan Navy said the visit of the Saudi naval commander will further promote bilateral ties between the two countries.


Five cops killed as gunmen ambush police van in northwestern Pakistan

Updated 23 December 2025
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Five cops killed as gunmen ambush police van in northwestern Pakistan

  • Over a dozen “well-armed terrorists” ambushed police van in northwestern Karak district, say police
  • Pakistan’s northwestern KP province has witnessed a surge in militant attacks in recent months

PESHAWAR: Five cops were killed when a group of “terrorists” ambushed a police van in Pakistan’s northwestern Karak district on Tuesday, a police official confirmed. 

Karak police spokesperson Shaukat Khan said a heavy police reinforcement has been dispatched to the site of the attack in the district’s Gurguri area to collect evidence. 

“Over a dozen well-armed terrorists ambushed a police mobile van in the jurisdiction of Gurguri police station, an inaccessible area of the district, leaving five policemen martyred,” Khan told Arab News. 

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, similar attacks on police and security forces have been claimed in the past by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or the Pakistani Taliban. 

Khan identified the slain police officers as Shahid Iqbal, Arif, Sami Ullah, Safdar and the driver named Muhammad Ibrar.

“Evidence has been collected from the crime scene and a comprehensive search operation is now underway to apprehend the perpetrators,” Khan said. 

The Gurguri region is home to a large gas field, where exploration activities take place regularly. This often necessitates heightened security measures by law enforcement personnel.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant activities, particularly in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province bordering Afghanistan, in recent months. 

Earlier this month, one police constable was killed while five others were injured in a suicide blast that targeted a police vehicle in the Lakki Marwat district. 

Similarly, three police personnel were killed in November when militants attacked a checkpost in Hangu city. 

Pakistan has blamed Afghanistan for facilitating cross-border attacks against its security forces and turning a blind eye to the TTP’s activities on its soil. 

Afghanistan rejects the allegations and says it cannot be held responsible for Islamabad’s security lapses.