Prince William and Kate Middleton will arrive in Islamabad today (Monday) on a four-day official visit. The Royal visit (October 14-18) was requested by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and would be their first trip to the country.
During their visit, the Royal Couple will meet Prime Minister Imran Khan, President Dr Arif Alvi and young Pakistanis to discuss the current issues including effects of climate change. Following their meetings they will visit Lahore and Chitral.
Kensington Palace in a statement said that the Duke and Duchess’s programme will pay respect to the historical relationship between Britain and Pakistan, it will largely focus on showcasing Pakistan as it is today – a dynamic, aspirational and forward-looking nation. This is the most complex tour undertaken by the Duke and Duchess to date, given the logistical and security considerations, the statement issued by Kensington Palace added.
The royal visit is significant in the wake of British media portraying the visit to a country grapple with a climate of terror and security threats. They were some reports of serious security challenges for the couple tour but the FCO confirmed the visit keeping in view the close relations between Pakistan and the UK.
Previously in 2006 Prince William’s father Prince Charles and Camilla travelled to Pakistan after the earthquake. During their Prince and his wife met the survivors of the earthquake and those who were displaced by the natural calamity.
Prince William’ mother Princess Diana visited Pakistan in 1991 for three days and went to Islamabad, Lahore and KPK. Lady Diana who was called people’s princess visited Pakistan in 1996 to raised money for the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and again for the inauguration of the hospital. The royal family will fly back on October 18.
