KARACHI: Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Muhammad bin Salman will arrive in Pakistan today and a historic warm welcome has been planned to greet the most revered friend of Pakistan.
Pakistan accords highest respect to the rulers of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) being the custodians of holy places including Macca and Madina. The relations with KSA dates backs to even preparation era when Muslims of Indian sub-continent particularly Nawabs of Hyderabad Deccan used to send money to the guardians of holy land. After discovery of petrol, the situation has changed and Muslims from India and Pakistan were recruited to work and develop KSA into a modern state.
After independence and establishment of Pakistan as Muslim state that came into being in the name of Islam, the relations between two countries strengthened with passage of time and reached their pinnacle with Gen Retd Raheel Sharif, former Chief of Army Staff becoming head of Islamic Force. Pakistan has always helped KSA in military affairs from training to combating terrorism. Its Special Services Group has saved the holy land and places when ever an opportunity arises.
Pakistan and KSA also shared the common view point on problems faced by Muslim Ummah. Both the countries are member of Organization of Islami Conference and leads the Muslim world.
A new chapter of relations is going to be written when Crown Prince Salman lands in Pakistan. The huge investment expected in Gwadar in oil and petrol sector will put Balochistan,, the most backward province of Pakistan on a track of development and prosperity. CPEC project is also likely to get a boost after huge Saudi investment.
The government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) looks forward to the visit of Saudi crown prince as a big development in strengthening its economy and highest ever foreign direct investment. Unprecedented security measures have been taken and entire government machinery including foreign ministry, interior ministry are busy in making best possible arrangements to make the visit memorable.
The capital is wearing a festive look and there will be only festivities during the visit by Crown Prince Salman on Feb 17 & 18. The government has announced a public holiday in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) on Monday except for Supreme Court of Pakistan which will function normally but subject to stringent security measures. The skies of ICT will also remain out of bound for all flights.
Prime Minister will be hosting the visiting dignitary at PM House during his stay in Pakistan. Elaborate arrangements have been made for 103 member strong Saudi delegation. All the main stream political parties despite political differences have welcomed the visit of Crown Prince and so does the people of Pakistan who have special love for their holy sites. All the rooms in five star hotels of ICT have been booked and 300 Land Cruisers will be available for the distinguished guests.
President of Pakistan will confer highest civil award upon Saudi Crown Prince. The visit is one single opportunity for Pakistan to change its destiny and bailout the country from worst ever financial crisis. Let our government not go waste the golden chance of putting the country on road to development and prosperity.