Saudi crown prince delays Pakistan visit over Pulwama terror attack

By Team MyNation  |  First Published Feb 16, 2019, 2:26 PM IST

On February 14, 40 CRPF jawans were martyred when a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist rammed an explosive-laden SUV into a bus carrying CRPF men on Srinagar-Jammu highway

Islamabad: Saudi crown prince Mohammad Bin Salman's arrival in Pakistan on his first official visit to the country has been delayed by a day for "unknown reasons". However, the decision is believed to be taken because of the growing tension between India and Pakistan after the terrorist attack in Pulwama.

On February 14, 40 CRPF jawans were martyred when a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist rammed an explosive-laden SUV into a bus carrying CRPF men on Srinagar-Jammu highway.

Prince Mohammad was scheduled to reach Islamabad on Saturday but due to a slight change, he will arrive on Sunday, according to the foreign office.

Saudi Crown Prince's visit to Pakistan delayed

Read Story | https://t.co/Npnf5VdRlP pic.twitter.com/9vAtefOKMv

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital)

However, the programmes of his stay in Pakistan will remain unchanged, it said.

Prince Mohammad, who is also the deputy prime minister and minister of defence, will be conferred with Nishan-e-Pakistan the highest civilian award during his visit to the country, the Express Tribune reported.

A top official said that the arrival has been delayed by a day for "unknown reasons".

Preparations have been made to give an "unprecedented warm welcome" to the Saudi prince who will be received personally by Prime Minister Imran Khan and his cabinet members at the Nur Khan Airbase, the report said.

Abdul Razzak Dawood, advisor to the prime minister on trade, said investment deals worth USD 10-15 billion dollars would be signed during the trip. On the top of the list is an agreement to set up an oil refinery in Pakistan.

Elaborate security arrangements have been planned during the visit of the powerful heir to the Saudi throne.

(With inputs from PTI)

Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.

click me!