Author: Amir Muhammad Khan

Amir Muhammad Khan RIYADH: The Middle East conflict has triggered what Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco describes as the world’s largest energy shock, with recovery in global markets likely to extend into 2027 even if the Strait of Hormuz blockade is lifted soon, the company’s chief executive has warned investors. A day earlier, Aramco reported a more than 25% rise in net profit for the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year, driven by higher oil prices as exports remain constrained due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. “The energy supply shock that began in…

By Amir Muhammad Khan JEDDAH: The Consul General of Pakistan in Jeddah, Syed Mustafa Rabbani, invited journalists to visit the newly constructed consulate building and briefed them on the facilities being provided to Pakistanis across different departments. Welcoming the journalists to the consulate, Rabbani explained the functions of various sections in detail and answered questions regarding the services available for the Pakistani community. He said the new consulate building marked a significant development and represented a positive step for Pakistanis living abroad, particularly the large community based in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Rabbani said overseas Pakistanis had faced…

By Amir Muhammad Khan JEDDAH: Pakistan’s Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabbani held a detailed meeting with the Governor of Jizan, Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz bin Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, as part of his ongoing introductory engagements with senior Saudi officials, where bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest were discussed. Syed Mustafa Rabbani has continued a series of high-level meetings since assuming charge in Jeddah, engaging with key government figures and senior officials across different regions of Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, both sides discussed avenues to further strengthen Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations, with a focus on expanding cooperation in…

Amir Muhammad Khan MADINA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation visited Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH) in Madinah, where they offered prayers and paid respects.The visit was marked by special arrangements for the Pakistani leadership. Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Madinah after travelling from Jeddah the previous night. Upon arrival, he was received by the Governor of Madinah, Prince Salman bin Sultan. During the visit, the gates of Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH) were opened for the prime minister and his delegation, reflecting the significance of the occasion. The Pakistani delegation also offered prayers at Masjid-e-Nabawi and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to visit the holy…

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…