'Royal couple's visit to showcase Pakistan as a forward looking country'

British High Commissioner Thomas Drew posts video message on Twitter a day before the royal visit

On the eve of Prince William and Kate Middleton's arrival in the country, UK envoy Thomas Drew has said that the royal couple's visit would showcase how Pakistan is "a forward looking country".

“Most importantly, they hope to meet as many Pakistanis as possible during the course of the visit,” the British high commissioner said in a video message on Twitter.

“They are looking forward to building a lasting friendship with the people of Pakistan,” Drew went on to say as the royals are set to tour the country from October 14 to 18.

Further details about The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s visit to Pakistan have been released #RoyalVisitPakistan https://t.co/aXmTbCX3j9

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 4, 2019

The British diplomat said he believed the royal couple will “get a very warm welcome”.

Their visit comes at the request of the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

British royal couple plans to meet 'as many Pakistanis as possible' during visit

The couple would like to see the “breadth and depth” of the country, said Drew, adding that the duo would see “the modern leafy capital in Islamabad, the vibrant city of Lahore, the mountainous countryside of the north and the rugged border region of the west”.

"There's a real sense of buzz and anticipation for their visit," he added.

According to The Telegraph, more than 1,000 police officials will secure the couple as they travel across the country in what Kensington Palace described as their most complex visit ever undertaken.

Just over a week to go until the visit to Pakistan of TRH the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Kensington Palace today released further details of the trip. @KensingtonRoyal #RoyalVisitPakistan
https://t.co/XgEbcPsAR9

— Thomas Drew (@TomDrewUK) October 4, 2019

Their itinerary has been tightly guarded for the five-day stay with media only being told details at the last minute.

We’re in the final countdown to the arrival in Pakistan of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Here is a flavour of what to expect. #RoyalVisitPakistan pic.twitter.com/zvg0MkTkNa

— Thomas Drew (@TomDrewUK) October 13, 2019