ISLAMABAD: Britain’s Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton arrived in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad on Monday on their first official visit to the country, the British High Commission in Islamabad said, in what Kensington Palace has described as the most ‘complex’ tour undertaken by the couple given the security and logistical issues involved.
The five-day visit comes as Britain seeks to reinvigorate its foreign relationships with Brexit looming while Pakistan works to repair its global image to boost tourism and investment.
It will be the first visit to Pakistan by members of the British royal family in more than a decade after royal heir, Prince Charles, and his wife, Camilla, came to the country in 2006.
The royal couple received a red carpet welcome at the Nur Khan Airbase on Monday evening where they were welcomed by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Media footage of the smiling couple emerging from the plane showed Kate wearing a traditional Pakistani kameez shalwar — a turquoise tunic and sleek fitted trousers — while William adorned a suit.
During the visit, which ends on October 18, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will meet with Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi.
“Throughout their visit, The Duke and Duchess will tour the country to see the dynamic, aspirational and modern Pakistan,” the British High Commission said. “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 visit will span over 1000km, and will take in Pakistan’s rich culture, its diverse communities, and its beautiful landscapes.”
The royal couple is also expected to visit Khyber Pass in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. Prince William is also likely to honor his mother Princess Diana’s charity work in Pakistan.
Princess Diana had visited Pakistan a number of times, with her last visit to the country being in 1997 shortly before her death in Paris.
Pakistan has been trying to shed its reputation for security problems to develop its economy, push tourism and boost its reputation on the international stage. The visit also comes as Pakistan is trying to avoid being placed on a ‘blacklist’ of nations failing to take action on terror financing and money laundering by the Financial Action Task Force.
“This is a goodwill visit, and they want to promote good relations between Pakistan, England and our new generation,” Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told reporters on Friday.
According to media reports, nearly 1,000 policemen have been deployed to ensure the security of the visiting royals.
“Their Royal Highnesses’ (TRH) program will include visiting projects which empower young people, and communities that are rapidly responding and adapting to the effects of climate change,” the BHC said. “The UK’s links with Pakistan are extensive, and TRH is looking forward to building a lasting friendship with the people of Pakistan.”
In a video message posted on Twitter on Sunday, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Thomas Drew, said that there was a real sense of buzz and anticipation surrounding the upcoming visit.
“It will be a very exciting program; it will, of course, pay respect to the historic relationship between Britain and Pakistan,” he said.
There are already signs of royal influence providing a boost for Pakistan, especially its tourism and fashion industries. At an event in London last week, the Duchess of Cambridge wore a pair of $8 earrings by Pakistani brand Zeen, causing them to sell out minutes later.
Many in Pakistan are hoping to see Kate favor Pakistani designers during her visit and wear the shalwar kameez which Princess Diana wore during visits in the 1990s.
