Kate, William to land in Pakistan tomorrow

–British envoy Thomas Drew says visit will help promote historic relations between Pakistan and the UK

LONDON: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Prince William and Kate Middleton will land in Pakistan on Monday on their first-ever visit to the country.

According to the statement made by Communications Secretary to the Queen Donal McCabe the duke and duchess of Cambridge will undertake an official visit to Pakistan between Monday 14th and Friday 18th October.

This will be Their Royal Highnesses’ first official visit to Pakistan, he remarked.

According to the statement, whilst the “duke and duchess’s programme will pay respect to the historical relationship between Britain and Pakistan, it will largely focus on showcasing Pakistan as it is today – a dynamic, aspirational and forward-looking nation”.

It added that from the modern leafy capital Islamabad to the vibrant city of Lahore, the mountainous countryside in the North, and the rugged border regions to the West, the visit will span over 1000km, and will take in Pakistan’s rich culture, its diverse communities, and its beautiful landscapes.

Throughout the tour, the couple will visit programmes which empower young people, and organisations that help ensure they have the best possible start in life.

Access to quality education, particularly to girls and young women is one of the UK’s top priorities in Pakistan. The statement further said that the duke and duchess are looking forward to spending time meeting young Pakistanis and hearing more about their aspirations for the future.

Their Royal Highnesses’ programme will also cover how communities in Pakistan are rapidly responding and adapting to the effects of climate change.

This a key area of interest for the couple is that they are keen to learn more about the climate change issues affecting Pakistan and our world, and the positive work being undertaken to combat these challenges.

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Pakistan Thomas Drew expressed optimism that visit of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Pakistan will help promote historic relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

In a video statement, he said it will be an exciting program and will focus largely on today s Pakistan and its dynamic, aspirational and forward looking nation.

The High Commissioner said the royal couple would like to see the length and breadth of the country, ranging from modern leafy capital Islamabad to vibrant city of Lahore, the mountainous countryside of North and rugged border region of the West.

He said they will get the flavor of enormous opportunities in the hands of Pakistan s young population as well as the country responding to the challenges like climate change.