PM House to host cultural show to entertain Saudi crown prince's

Folk dances of four provinces will be performed at event organised by PNCA


Zulfiqar Baig February 16, 2019
Women posing for selfies with signboard erected to welcome Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad in Islamabad on Saturday. PHOTO: APP

ISLAMABAD: A cultural show has been arranged at the Prime Minister House in honour of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman who is set to arrive in Islamabad on Saturday.

The event will showcase the diverse culture of four provinces of Pakistan.

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has instructed the Pakistan National Arts Council (PNCA) to arrange the event for the visiting royal guest.

The council's performing arts department has made all preparation in this regard.

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Qualified dancers are set to show the cultural diversity of the country for the Arab state's crown prince.

A list of the dancers has been given to police for a background check owing to security concerns.

A PNCA official said that this is the first time local dances will be showcased at an event for a foreign guest.

The Saudi crown prince is set to visit Pakistan on February 17-18. 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 Saturday evening.

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Prince Mohammad will also be conferred with Nishan-e-Pakistan – the highest civilian award — during his visit to the country.

Banners heralding Mohammad bin Salman on his maiden visit as crown prince are already lining the streets of Islamabad.

The PTI government is hoping to sign a raft of investment deals and other agreements during the two-day visit, including a $10-billion refinery and oil complex for the strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea.

Foreign Office spokesman Dr Faisal said Islamabad is seeking to sign a number of other deals, including one “combating organised crime”.

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