ISLAMABAD: The British royal palace has released some more information about the planned visit by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, to Pakistan, reflecting their interest in visiting a considerable number of locations in the country.
Scheduled to tour Pakistan from October 14 to 18, it will be the first visit by the young generation of British royals to Pakistan and first from the royal family since 2006 when The Duke and Duchess of Cornwell, Prince Charles and Camilla, visited the country.
The press release, calling the visit the most “complex” of all the royal tours taken, gave vague but promising details on the couple’s visit that will cover a lot of ground.
“Whilst The Duke and Duchess’s program 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,” read the release. “From the modern leafy capital Islamabad to the vibrant city of Lahore, the mountainous countryside in the North, and the rugged border regions to the West.”
The release states that the visit “will span over 1000 km” and will be focusing on seeing the country and meeting as many of the population as they can.
“As with previous overseas visits, The Duke and Duchess have asked that this tour allow them opportunities to meet as many Pakistanis as possible. Over the course of the visit, Their Royal Highnesses will meet a wide variety of people, including children and young people, leaders from government, business and the charity sector, inspiring conservationists, and well-known cultural figures and sporting stars.”
The royals will be visiting programs targeting young people, particularly in realms of education and building foundations with an emphasis on helping women achieve their highest potential. Additionally, they will be meeting with communities in Pakistan most affected and working the hardest to combat climate change, an issue the press release says is “a key area of interest” for the royals.
The royals recently attended an event at the Aga Khan Center in London as guests of Prince Karim Aga Khan, an event that was reported as part of the official announcement stating the royals’ plans to visit Pakistan.
Kate, William to explore much of Pakistan during ‘complex’ royal visit
Kate, William to explore much of Pakistan during ‘complex’ royal visit
- The tour will begin on October 14 and conclude on October 18
- The visit will span over 1000 kilometers, helping the royal couple meet with as many Pakistanis as possible
Deadly explosions in northwest Pakistan kill three, wound over 20
- Unexploded mortar shell in Bajaur home kills one, injures nine including children
- Motorcycle bomb near Bannu police station kills two, wounds 12 civilians
PESHAWAR: At least three people were killed and more than 20 others injured in two separate explosions in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, officials said on Monday.
Pakistan has witnessed a steady rise in attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, with most violence targeting police and security forces in former tribal districts along the border.
Islamabad says the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has reorganized across the frontier and operates from safe havens inside Afghanistan, a charge Kabul rejects, insisting it does not allow its territory to be used against other countries.
In the first incident, a senior police officer Anwar Zeb told Arab News a suspected mortar shell exploded in Salarzai, a remote town in Bajaur district, killing one person and injuring nine others.
“Initial reports indicated that children had found an unexploded mortar shell and brought it home, where it later detonated late Sunday evening,” he added.
Riaz Khan, media officer at Bajaur Rescue1122, said those injured in the blast included men, women and children.
“A rescue team was swiftly dispatched to the area to evacuate those dead and injured to the nearest medical facility,” he added.
In a separate incident, a remote-controlled bomb planted in a motorcycle exploded near Miryan Police Station in southern Bannu district, according to Aamir Khan, spokesman to Regional Police Officer.
“The explosive device had been installed in a motorcycle parked near shops in front of the police facility, killing two civilians while 12 others sustained injuries,” he added.
Security forces cordoned off the area immediately after the explosion and launched a search operation.
Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
