Daily Times

Britain’s Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton are in Pakistan on a five-day trip, which will not only make ties between the two countries stronger but send a message across the world about the hospitality, peace, beauty and diversity of Pakistan. This is the royal couple’s first trip to Pakistan. They are visiting Pakistan at the request of Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office. According to British High Commis­sioner Thomas Drew, the royal couple will meet as many Pakistanis as possible and build a lasting friendship with the people of Pakistan. “Whilst The Duke and Duchess’s programme will pay respect to the historical relationship between Britain and Pakistan, it will largely focus on showcasing Pakistan as it is today – a dynamic, aspirational and forward-looking nation,” he said. The arrival of Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge shows the normalcy of the country, which is likely to send a strong message to the whole world.

Though the royal family does not interfere in their country’s micro and macro affairs of the government, the UK public has a special attachment with them. Hopefully, their visit will bring the people of UK and Pakistan closer to each other. The UK royal family has a special corner for Pakistan, it being the member of the Commonwealth of nations. In 2006, Prince of Wales Charles and Duchess of Cornwell Camilla visited the country. Before them, Prince William’s mother, the late Princess Diana, came to Pakistan in 1996 and helped (now prime minister) Imran Khan in fundraising for Shaukat Khanum cancer hospital. Her kind gestures made her the queen of Pakistanis too. Earlier in 1961 and 1997 Queen Elizabeth II visited Pakistan.

In 1961, Queen Elizabeth II landed in Karachi. Now, most of the dignitaries are restricted to Islamabad and Lahore, which is not a good PR exercise. These high profile visits provide an opportunity to showcase the beautiful culture of Pakistan. Hardly any foreign dignitary has been taken to the historic city of Multan, the landscape rich Salt Range, the beautiful Balochistan, the culture rich interior Sindh and so on. Pakistan’s historic places can be good sites for state guests. The exercise may require extra security and logistic support, but it is worth doing so. In 1991, Princess Diana visited Chitral and the Khyber Pass. Let us rewind the clock and take to these forgotten places with foreign guests. *