ISLAMABAD – The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman secretly landed in Pakistan ahead of the schedule on Saturday, successfully avoiding the media spotlight.
According to well-placed sources, the Saudi royal had to arrive in Pakistan on Sunday as per the fresh schedule announced by the foreign office of Pakistan, however, the guest landed at the Noor Khan airbase, a day ahead of the schedule.
The confusion regarding the arrival of the Saudi dignitary was created intentionally owing to security concerns, sources added.
The 33-year-old was initially expected in Pakistan on 16th February, however, the foreign office revealed that he would arrive in Pakistan a day later.
Another vindication of the arrival of the Saudi guest is a tweet by the Information Minister, Fawad Chaudhry who welcomed the guest on Saturday – without sharing further details.
https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry/status/1096722934410952706
Pakistan is ready to accord a rousing welcome to the crown prince who is expected to sign agreements worth over $20b during the crucial tour.
Mohammed bin Salman, referred to as MBS, would call on Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief of the Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other senior officials of Pakistan’s governance apparatus during his visit.
This is the first-ever state visit of the Crown Prince to Pakistan and he would be staying at the Prime Minister House during the visit. Hundreds of cars and hotel rooms have already been booked for the visit.
Prime Minister Imran Khan is actively overseeing the arrangements in this regard.
Pakistan’s increasing engagement with Saudi Arabia has sent shivers down the power corridors of New Delhi as India is envious of the growing relationship between the Muslim countries.
Crown prince – second in line to the throne – had agreed to visit Pakistan during the official visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Saudi Arabia last year.
