By Amir Muhammad Khan
JEDDAH: Pakistan Navy’s modern warship, PNS Khyber, arrived in Jeddah Islamic Port on a goodwill visit under the command of Captain Ali Raza. A reception ceremony was held on board, with the national anthems of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia played, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony.
The event was attended by Pakistan’s Consul General in Jeddah, Syed Mustafa Rabbani, deputy consul general, consular officers, Saudi Navy officials, businessmen, and members of the Pakistani community. Captain Ali Raza said PNS Khyber was recently acquired from Turkey and this marks its first international goodwill visit.
“The ship has full combat capabilities suitable for the modern era,” he said, adding that it is named after the historic Khyber Fort, conquered by Hazrat Ali (RA). After Jeddah, the ship will return to Pakistan.
Consul General Rabbani said the visit reflects the professionalism of the Pakistan Navy and will strengthen defense cooperation and long-standing ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He noted decades of collaboration, including joint exercises, training, intelligence sharing, and maritime security.
“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia remain close partners in maintaining regional peace, securing Red Sea and Gulf waterways, and countering terrorism,” he said. Guests toured the ship and praised the professionalism of the navy personnel.
The ceremony ended with a dinner, after which Captain Raza and Consul General Rabbani bid farewell to the distinguished attendees, who expressed appreciation for Saudi friendship and trust in defence cooperation.
#PNSKhyber #PakistanNavy #Jeddah #SaudiArabia #GoodwillVisit #NavalDiplomacy #DefenceCooperation #PakistanSaudiRelations #MaritimeSecurity #RedSea #GulfRegion #CounterTerrorism #CaptainAliRaza #SyedMustafaRabbani #PakistanConsulate #PakistanCommunity #NavalWarship #JointExercises #RegionalPeace #TurkeyPakistanDefense
