Government announces public holiday in Islamabad on February 18
February 16, 2019
ISLAMABAD: The government on Saturday announced a public holiday in Islamabad on Monday, February 18 during the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to the country.
The crown prince had originally been due to arrive on Saturday but the Pakistan foreign ministry released a statement late Friday saying the visit had been delayed by one day, with the programme unchanged.
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted, that all federal government offices situated on the Constitution Avenue except the essential staff of certain ministries in the capital shall remain closed on February 18.
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Price Mohammad is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of Prime Minister Imran Khan and will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including members of the Saudi royal family, key ministers and leading businessmen.
During his visit, the crown prince will hold meetings with President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
The capital's "red zone", which houses Parliament House and the Presidency, was to be sealed off, while civil aviation authorities have been told to reschedule flights during the prince's arrival and departure.
Authorities in the capital said two five-star hotels had been ordered to cancel all advance bookings as the rooms will be reserved for the prince's entourage.
