Author: Amir Muhammad Khan

By Amir Muhammad Khan RIYADH: Hajj flights will begin arriving in Saudi Arabia from April 18, while routine maintenance work continues at Kaaba ahead of the pilgrimage. According to the Pakistan Airports Authority, a pre-Hajj flight schedule has also been finalised for Lahore Airport. The pre-Hajj operation will include 101 flights operated by four airlines. These include 33 flights by Pakistan International Airlines, 29 by Saudia, 24 by Airblue and 15 by AirSial. The first Hajj flight from Lahore will depart on April 18, with Saudia flight SV-5735 set to leave for Medina. #Hajj2026 #SaudiArabia #HajjFlights #Pakistan #PIA #LahoreAirport #TravelNews

By Amir Muhammad Khan JEDDAH: Pakistan’s Christian community in Jeddah celebrated Easter with enthusiasm at an event hosted at the newly inaugurated Pakistan consulate building, where Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabbani attended as chief guest. Members of the Christian Welfare Community, led by chairman John Gulzar, welcomed guests to the ceremony, which was attended not only by the Christian community but also by other active members of the Pakistani diaspora. Addressing the gathering, Rabbani said it was a pleasure to welcome participants to the consulate, describing the occasion as a celebration of hope, renewal, compassion and humanity. He said Easter…

By Amir Muhammad Khan RIYADH: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, announced on Sunday that arrangements for Hajj 2026 are fully prepared, with no extra cost for 180,000 pilgrims, including 120,000 on government quotas and 60,000 on private ones. Speaking to media in Riyadh, the minister said Hajj flight operations will begin on 18 April, with a new Lahore route added to the existing services to facilitate travel. He confirmed that a total of 180,000 pilgrims will perform Hajj this year, highlighting the new Lahore-to-Saudi Arabia route while flights from other cities will continue as scheduled. The minister…

By Amir Muhammad Khan JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia and Ukraine forged a surprise defence pact on Saturday, signaling Riyadh’s pivot from traditional ally Pakistan amid intensifying Iranian missile attacks on Kingdom soil, reported daily Metro Morning. The agreement, signed by senior officials in Riyadh, merged Saudi financial muscle with Kyiv’s battle-tested drone technology to sharpen Saudi defences against Tehran and other regional aggressions. The move arrives at a flashpoint. Iran launched fresh strikes on Saudi energy sites and border positions this week, but Riyadh withheld counterstrikes at Pakistan’s diplomatic behest. Gulf insiders expressed exasperation. “Pakistan’s hesitance leaves us exposed,” one analyst…

By Amir Muhammad Khan RIYADH: Iran launched a missile attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on Friday, injuring multiple United States troops, according to American media reports. US officials confirmed that at least 12 American soldiers were wounded in the strike on the military base. The attack also caused damage to several US refuelling aircraft stationed at the facility. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said it had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired towards Riyadh. The incident marks a further escalation in tensions in the region amid ongoing conflict dynamics in the Middle East. #Iran…

By Amir Muhammad Khan RIYADH: Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have formalized a new defense cooperation agreement, marking a significant step in strengthening security ties and technological collaboration between the two nations. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced the pact during his visit to Riyadh, framing it as a measure that could save lives while fostering the exchange of expertise in modern warfare. The agreement, signed ahead of Zelenskiy’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, sets the stage for joint technological projects, investment in defense infrastructure, and future contracts aimed at deepening military collaboration. Zelenskiy highlighted Ukraine’s experience defending against missile…

By Amir Muhammad Khan RIYADH: A Consultative Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers from Arab and Islamic countries called on Iran to immediately halt its attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council nations, as well as Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Turkiye. The meeting, held in Riyadh, brought together foreign ministers from across the region to address escalating tensions and reaffirm shared commitments to peace and stability. In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the ministers underlined the necessity of respecting international law, international humanitarian law, and the principles of good neighborliness. They said these steps were essential to de-escalate conflicts, restore security, and…

By Muhammad Amir RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will sight the Shawwal moon today, with the final announcement regarding moon sighting to be made after evaluating testimonies. If the moon is not sighted, Saudi Arabia will observe the 30th fast on Thursday and Eidul Fitr will fall on March 20. The Saudi Supreme Court has directed citizens to report moon sightings to the nearest court and have their testimonies recorded. Saudi Arabia and most Arab countries commenced Ramadan on February 18. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet tomorrow to sight the Shawwal moon and announce the date of Eidul…

By Muhammad Amir RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense announced that its air defense systems have shot down more than 60 drones attempting to enter the country’s eastern regions overnight. According to foreign news agency AFP, multiple statements posted on social media platform X confirmed that a total of 61 drones were destroyed after midnight before reaching their intended targets. Officials said the drones were approaching the eastern areas, but timely interception prevented any damage on the ground. The Ministry emphasized that the country’s defense systems remain fully alert, and all necessary measures are being taken to neutralize potential threats.…

By Muhammad Amir RIYADH: A total of 91 Pakistani nationals stranded in Saudi Arabia have departed for Pakistan, with support from the Embassy of Pakistan, which arranged flights, hotel accommodation, and meals for the passengers. The embassy coordinated with Saudi authorities to ensure smooth rescheduling of flights and provided facilities to help stranded Pakistanis manage their stay. The passengers left from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, marking their return home amid ongoing logistical challenges. #PakistanEmbassy #SaudiArabia #StrandedPakistanis #Riyadh #RepatriationFlights