Government announces public holiday in Islamabad on Monday

Schools, colleges and offices will remain closed on the day of the Saudi crown prince's visit to Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Saturday announced a public holiday in Islamabad on February 18 after the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman got delayed by a day.

The holiday was announced to ensure citizens are not inconvenienced during the crown prince's visit.

Schools, colleges and offices will remain closed on Monday. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also tweeted a notification that said all federal government offices situated on Constitution Avenue in the capital will remain closed on February 18.

All Federal Govt offices situated on the Constitution Avenue except (essential staff of certain ministries) in the capital shall remain closed on Monday 18th Feb. pic.twitter.com/dHAxSVKbN4

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) February 16, 2019

The Saudi crown prince is set to visit Pakistan on February 17-18, the Foreign Office confirmed on Friday. Earlier, he was expected to arrive on Saturday, February 16.



Sources privy to the development told The Express Tribune that preparations had been finalised to give an “unprecedented warm welcome” to the visiting dignitary, who will be received personally by Prime Minister Imran Khan and his cabinet members at the Nur Khan Airbase on Sunday.

Prince Mohammad, who is also the deputy prime minister and minister of defence of the kingdom, will be conferred with Nishan-e-Pakistan – the highest civilian award — during his visit to the country.