Fanfare greets prince’s arrival

SAUDI Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman arrived in Pakistan yesterday to a great fanfare amid heightened security.

Accompanied by royals, ministers and businessmen, the prince was greeted by a host of dignitaries at the Noor Khan airbase, including Prime Minister Imran Khan and army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Air force jets escorted the prince’s plane into Pakistani airspace and a 21-gun salute was delivered after the touchdown. The welcome ceremony was telecast live by national and private broadcasters.

During the two-day visit, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are expected to sign billions of dollars in agreements that could help shore up the Pakistan’s ailing economy.

Mohammed is set to hold meetings with Khan, President Arif Alvi and army chiefs during his visit.