Army chief witnesses Saudi-Pak joint training exercise near Jhelum

E-Paper | March 15, 2026

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif visited National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Pabbi near Jhelum on Friday and witnessed the culmination of Pak–Saudi joint training exercise Al-Shihab.

Al-Shihab focused on counter terrorism training of the special operation forces of Pakistan and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which included cordon and search operations, airdropping and helicopter lifting of special forces for operations against terrorist’s acts and their hideouts.

While meeting the participating troops, he appreciated their dedication, motivation and professionalism.

General Raheel Sharif said that "Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong and brotherly relations which have a long history of deep rooted cooperation."

"This exercise signifies the joint effort of our two nations against terrorism and Insha Allah we will defeat this menace in all its forms and manifestations," he said.

He reiterated that any threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia will evoke a strong response from Pakistan.

A six member high level Saudi military delegation headed by General Mufleh Bin Saleem Al-Otaibi, Commander Special Forces of Saudi Arabia was also present on the occasion.

Earlier on arrival, COAS was received by Lieutenant General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Inspector General Training and Evaluation.

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Iftikhar Husain

Oct 30, 2015 05:42pm

It is good news for both countries.

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M. Saeed Awan

Oct 30, 2015 05:58pm

Big encouraging news. Such joint military exercises needed with UAE & other Gulf states as well.

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Ismail

Oct 30, 2015 06:33pm

Pakistani establishment also need to take a strict action regarding the pre-planed and fabricated campaign which is being run from last few week against Saudi Arabia and in the favor of Iran on Print & Social media. MENA Stampede - No prince was there at all. Attack on hospital in Yemen - No proof. Statement by Mr. Talal - He denied and going to a legal action and so on.

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nabidad

Oct 30, 2015 06:39pm

Pakistan always be open for the Muslim World and be there to train them in any field of life.

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Shad

Oct 30, 2015 07:19pm

MASAaLLAH..KEEP UMMAH UNITED AND WORK TOGETHER FOR THE WELFARE OF UMMAH AND MUSLIMS...

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Rahim

Oct 30, 2015 07:39pm

Collaborating with those who took zero muslims refugees in, at a time, when muslims needed the most help. Teaming up with those who display no respect for women and endangered species. Treat us like doormats in their country and ours. Joining hands with those who are always creating a divide between different sects of muslims. Sounds like a plan made in hell.

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ANR

Oct 30, 2015 08:43pm

@Rahim I agree with you 100% Rahim. You say what these hypocrites dont want to say. I am with you on this one.

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Zack-Pakistani

Oct 30, 2015 08:43pm

If it was up to me, I would plan military exercise with Israel. WE must think what is in our national interest, and that's it. Since the birth of Pakistan not a single muslim country sided or raised a finger in support of Pakistan in all the wars we have had! Must be friends with neighbors and build our infrastructure!

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Analyst

Oct 30, 2015 10:37pm

There are two tried and tested friends that have ALWAYS stuck with Pakistan throughout its history through bad and worse; China and Pakistan. Also, from a Realpolitik point of view these countries have influence and power on the world stage. It is therefore critical that Pakistan maintains strong relations with these countries in all fields - economic, defence, geopolitical, social, cultural etc.

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Abdul Karim

Oct 31, 2015 12:55am

I hope Saudi sees the power of our army.

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Muhammad Irfan

Oct 31, 2015 12:58am

The Govt of Pakistan is trying hard to mend the fence created by not participating in the yamen war. It is well understood that Statement made by Gen. Raheel Sharif "any threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia will evoke a strong response from Pakistan "represents the true sentiments of Peoples of Pakistan. The relationship Pakistan had with Saudi Arabia needs strong message to the world who might be hatching conspiracy against the Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is a leading Gulf Force who is facing crises due to yamen situation which hopefully will be resolved through diplomacy and we pray that the Muslim Ummah should understand their role being Muslim and remove the hatred among Muslim. The rehabilitation and reconstruction of yamen will leads to a better yamen. Pakistan is playing peace keeping force role since long and has earned good name for the Nation. We are proud of having such Army which is well recognised by the world.

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divend

Oct 31, 2015 03:35am

@Rahim True. However, if we shouldn't collaborate with countries who refuse to harbor refugees, what should we do to certain neighbors who make them refugees in the first place.

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Anwar

Oct 31, 2015 03:56am

Pak Army zinda bad

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usman

Oct 31, 2015 10:00am

'He reiterated that any threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia will evoke a strong response from Pakistan.' this is a very strong message to saudi arabia that we are with our brothers, and its a true representation of the feelings of pakistanis, we should also be very careful about the forces trying to create a gap between pakistan and saudi arabia, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are brothers forever. long live this friendship

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cmh

Oct 31, 2015 12:45pm

It's good. Saudis also need to understand Pakistan's position and strength. We expect better treatment of our citizens by the kingdom based on mutual respect.

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Muhammad Ali

Oct 31, 2015 03:21pm

Pakistan Army chief must visit iran , this move will make him impartial.

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