Islamabad : The President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrived in Islamabad on Friday for an official visit to Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir welcomed the esteemed guest at the airport.
As the UAE President’s aircraft entered Pakistan’s airspace, it was escorted by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets in a gesture of goodwill and respect.
Upon landing, the formal reception began with the playing of both countries’ national anthems, followed by a 21-gun salute, while an honour guard stood to salute the visiting dignitary.
The ceremony was marked by coordinated performances from military and traditional bands, and children waving Pakistani and Emirati flags lined the arrival route, adding vibrancy to the event.
President Al Nahyan was then given a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
Children, dressed in traditional attire, greeted the UAE President, proudly holding the national flags of Pakistan and the UAE, adding colour and warmth to the occasion.
The UAE President is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers and senior officials.
According to a statement from the Foreign Office (FO), President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the visit. The two leaders will engage in wide-ranging discussions on strengthening Pakistan-UAE relations and exchanging views on important regional and global developments of mutual concern.
This visit is being regarded as a significant step in further solidifying the deep-rooted, brotherly ties between the two nations.
This marks Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s first official trip to Pakistan in his capacity as UAE President. It is noteworthy that he had previously visited Pakistan privately in January earlier this year.
In view of the high-level visit, authorities have declared a public holiday in Islamabad. A notification issued by the registrar of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) confirmed that the high court and district courts will remain closed on December 26.
The Senate Secretariat and the National Assembly Secretariat will also observe the holiday.
Additionally, the registrar of the Federal Constitutional Court (FFC) has announced a public holiday, leading to the cancellation of the day’s court proceedings.
However, routine operations at banks and essential services will continue as usual. Offices providing critical services, including the Capital Development Authority, police, Islamabad Electric Supply Company, and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, will remain operational despite the holiday.
