UAE president's visit to Islamabad postponed due to bad weather

Al Nahyan expresses regret over postponement of visit, assures to come to Islamabad soon

ISLAMABAD:

President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s day-long visit to Pakistan was postponed on Monday due to bad weather, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reported.

According to a tweet by the ministry, the UAE president’s visit to Pakistan will now be rescheduled.

خراب موسم کے باعث صدر شیخ محمد بن زید النہیان کا دورہ پاکستان ملتوی کر دیا گیا ہے۔ صدر شیخ محمد بن زاید النہیان کا دورہ دوبارہ شیڈول کیا جائے گا۔ pic.twitter.com/rb35kPcYNQ

— Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) January 30, 2023

As per reports, the UAE president was waiting to take-off but could not come to Islamabad due to heavy rain and weather conditions in Bahawalpur.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also reportedly contacted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and expressed his regret over the postponement of the visit and assured that he will come to Islamabad soon for a two-day visit.

Following the announcement, IG Islamabad and Security Division removed the security personnel and all the roads of capital were opened for traffic.

Earlier in the day, it was reported that the UAE president will be escorted by JF-17 aircraft to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Nur Khan Air Base, where he will be given a 21-gun salute.

PM Shehbaz and important members of the federal cabinet were expected welcome the guest at the air base.

It was also reported that Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan will be presented with a guard of honour by the country's armed forces at the Prime Minister’s House upon his arrival.

Read State-owned companies to be offered to UAE

Moreover, the UAE president was expected to hold a one-on-one meeting with the premier.

The visit by Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan was scheduled just a week after he arrived in Punjab’s Rahim Yar Khan on a private visit.

PM Shehbaz had welcomed him at the Rahim Yar Khan Airport and a meeting was also held between the two leaders.

During the meeting, the two leaders reiterated their resolve to further enhance bilateral relations. Shehbaz said that both countries would work on the understanding reached between the two leaders during his recent visit to the UAE.