KARACHI: A Pakistan Navy ship arrived in the Maldives on an ongoing overseas deployment aimed at fostering regional maritime security cooperation, the navy said on Sunday.
Upon arrival at the Port of Male, Pakistan Navy Ship Saif was warmly welcomed by Maldivian authorities, according to Pakistan Navy’s Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR).
During the visit, the Pakistan Navy’s mission commander held meetings with the military leadership of Maldives and visited the High Commission of Pakistan.
“During these interactions, matters of mutual interest, naval engagements, and cooperation in maritime security were discussed,” the DGPR said in a statement.
Pakistani naval ships regularly visit strategic ports in friendly countries to boost maritime cooperation and joint deployment concepts.
During the ship’s stay in Maldives, government officials, ambassadors of various countries, and members of the diplomatic community visited PNS Saif. After the port call, the Pakistani naval conducted a passage exercise with Maldives Coast Guard vessels.
“Regular visits of Pakistan Navy ships to Maldives reflect the strong bilateral relations between the two countries and will further enhance interoperability between the naval forces,” the DGPR added.
Pakistan Navy ship visits Maldives as part of regional maritime security cooperation
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Pakistan Navy ship visits Maldives as part of regional maritime security cooperation
- Pakistani naval ships regularly visit strategic ports in friendly countries to enhance interoperability
- Islamabad says regular visits of Pakistan Navy ships to Maldives reflect the strong bilateral relations
Santas on camels lead Christmas rally in Pakistani capital
- Hundreds join year-end procession in the capital, chanting and marching in festive dress
- Christians make up only 1.37% of Pakistan’s population, according to the 2023 census
ISLAMABAD: Hundreds of Pakistani Christians marched through Islamabad in a Christmas rally on Sunday, with men dressed as Santa Claus riding camels and waving at crowds as they chanted greetings ahead of the holiday.
The gathering showcased one of the country’s most visible Christmas celebrations, held in a nation where Christians remain a small religious minority. Census data from 2023 puts the Christian population at less than 1.37 percent nationwide, though communities are concentrated in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
For participants, the rally was both festive and symbolic, an open display of faith near the heart of the capital.
“My heart is filled with gratitude. We are very thankful to the government of Pakistan, the army, the police, and everyone for supporting us during our event, especially the event for minority communities,” said 27-year-old Arsalan Masih.
Standing beside him as camels passed through Zero Point, a central traffic junction, electrician Shafiqui Saleem said the group celebrated openly each year.
“December has started, and we are enjoying our Christmas celebrations. This is why we have started this rally, to praise our Lord and celebrate His coming, as He was born in the month of December to bring salvation to this world. We are very happy to enjoy December.”
Saleem said the procession reflected a sense of belonging despite being a minority in the country.
“Despite being a minority, we have never faced any obstacles here in Islamabad,” he said.
“You can see that today, we were granted permission to hold this rally from Zero Point, and the authorities are managing the traffic and supporting us. It is wonderful that, despite being a minority, we are receiving a lot of support.”
