JF-17 jets to escort Saudi crown prince's planes when they enter Pakistan airspace
February 15, 2019
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will be accorded an “unparalleled” welcome and a fleet of JF-17 Thunder jets will escort his planes as they enter Pakistan’s airspace, the federal government has decided.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will arrive in Islamabad tomorrow on a two-day official visit on the invitation of PM Imran.
Four planes will bring Mohammed bin Salman and his delegation to Islamabad for his first state-level visit to Pakistan since his elevation to the position of Crown Prince in April 2017.
PM Imran will receive Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport. A 21-gun salute and a guard of honour will be presented to the crown prince when he arrives at the Prime Minister House.
On Thursday night, Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a high-level meeting to review arrangements ahead of the Saudi crown prince’s arrival.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers, advisers, special assistants, Corps Commander Rawalpindi, DG ISPR, and senior government officials.
The meeting reviewed in detail the security arrangements as well as the engagements scheduled for the crown prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Chairing the meeting, PM Imran said that a historic welcome will be given to the Saudi crown prince and his delegation. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including members of the Saudi royal family, key ministers and leading businessmen.
Directing foolproof arrangements for the security and stay of the crown prince and the delegates, the premier was quoted as saying, “I will overlook these arrangements myself.”
Further, the premier said the Saudi crown prince’s visit is “a defining moment for Pakistan”.
