President Dr Arif Alvi on Monday conferred Pakistan's highest civil honour "Nishan-e-Pakistan" upon Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a prestigious ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan, Senate chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, governors of the provinces, federal ministers, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and three Services Chiefs. The Saudi Crown Prince was given a special protocol as he went from the Prime Minister House to the President House on a horse carriage accompanied by Prime Minister Imran Khan.
President Dr Arif Alvi received the visiting dignitary at the entrance of the Aiwan-e-Sadr along with Minister for Foreign Affairs Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain and other high civil and military officials. The two leaders were escorted by the presidential guard on their way from the Prime Minister House to the President House.
A meeting was held between President Alvi and the Saudi Crown Prince after which a ceremony was held in his honour and he was awarded "Nishan-e-Pakistan." Mohammed bin Salman exchanged views on mutual relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia with the President. Addressing the luncheon ceremony held in honour of Saudi Crown Prince, President Alvi said, "It is a privilege for me to host this banquet."
"Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have been partners for centuries. Despite the geographical distance between us, we are very close in our hearts," the President said. The President congratulated the Saudi Crown Prince on his "modernisation efforts" as well as measures taken to highlight Saudi Arabia's previously "hidden" tourism sites. He said, "Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have similar directions for peace in the region and elimination of corruption." "The recent visit of the prime minister and your visit cement the friendship between us. It is a golden era for Pakistan as it is open for investment," the President upheld.
The President said, "Our friendship is based on religion and culture, and Pakistani people love Saudi Arabia from their hearts." He said that Pakistan has huge tourism opportunities just like Saudi Arabia and invited the crown prince to visit Pakistan's northern areas. Following the President's speech, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said while addressing the audience, "I was honoured to meet the President of Pakistan. I thank you for honouring me with Pakistan's highest award."
"The brotherly relationship between the Kingdom and Pakistan focus on the principle of Islamic solidarity. It is a model to be emulated by other nations. Our (countries' relationship) goes back 67 years that witnessed continuous development that rendered itself beneficial for both countries," he said.
He said, "The founding fathers for both countries established these relations on the principles of truthfulness, common understanding and mutual respect that go back to the first days of the establishment of Pakistan, post-World War-II.
"Our Pakistani brothers participated truthfully and effectively in the great development project that Saudi Arabia witnessed, especially the enlargement project of Masjid-e-Haram and Masjid-e-Nabwi. More than 2 million Pakistanis are working in Saudi Arabia and are contributing to the development of both the countries.
"I wish all the best to the President and the Prime Minister in the service of this country and its people." At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Saudi Crown Prince said goodbye to the President and members of the federal cabinet before leaving for Noor Khan Airbase. As was the case when he had arrived, the prime minister personally drove the car carrying the Saudi Crown Prince.
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