ISLAMABAD: The British Royal couple, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Prince William and Kate Middleton arrived in Islamabad on Monday on a five-day visit to Pakistan.
They were given a warm welcome at the Nur Khan Airbase upon arrival. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi received the royal guests.
Two children clad in traditional dress presented bouquet of flowers to the distinguished guests. The guests thanked them and talked to them for a while.
The royal couple during its visit to Pakistan is scheduled to visit Northern Areas and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa besides capital Islamabad and Lahore.
The duo is scheduled to meet with President and Prime Minister besides attending other engagements.
The visit comes 13 years after Charles and Camilla – the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwell – toured the country in 2006. Pakistan still vividly remembers the late Princess Diana’s visit in 1996.
“The UK’s links with Pakistan are extensive, and Their Royal Highnesses are looking forward to building a lasting friendship with the people of Pakistan,” read a statement by the royal couple’s spokesperson on Oct 4.
During the course of their visit, Prince William and Kate “will pay respect to the historical relationship between Britain and Pakistan” but the larger focus will remain “on showcasing Pakistan as it is today – a dynamic, aspirational and forward-looking nation”, read the statement.
British High Commissioner in Pakistan Thomas Drew said during their five-day visit, the Royal couple would visit the ‘breadth and depth’ of Pakistan.
In his video message shared on Twitter, the High Commissioner said the visit would largely focus on showcasing Pakistan as a dynamic, aspirational and forward looking nation.
He said most importantly the Royal couple hope to meet as many Pakistanis as possible during the visit particularly the youth who are shaping future of the country.
He said the duo is looking forward to building a lasting friendship with people of Pakistan.
