Nishan-e-Pakistan conferred on MBS

ISLAMABAD: The country's highest civil award Nishan-e-Pakistan was conferred on Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday.

President Arif Alvi conferred the award on the Saudi crown prince at a ceremony held in his honour at the Presidency. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan and the heads of the three armed forces. Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser and members of the federal cabinet were also present at the ceremony. The crown prince was given a special protocol as he went from the President House to the PM House on a horse carriage accompanied by Prime Minister Imran Khan. President Alvi received Mohammed bin Salman upon arrival the President House.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry were also present when the Saudi crown prince and the prime minister arrived at the President House. A meeting was held between President Alvi and the crown prince after which a ceremony was held in his honour and he was conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan.

Addressing the luncheon ceremony, President Alvi said, "It is a privilege for me to host this banquet." "Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have been partners for centuries. Despite the geographical distance between us, we are very close in our hearts," the president added.

He further said, "Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have similar directions for peace in the region and elimination of corruption." "The recent visit of the prime minister and your visit cements the friendship between us," he continued, adding, "It is a golden era for Pakistan as it is open for investment."

The Saudi crown prince also addressed the ceremony and said, "I thank you for honouring me with Pakistan's highest award." He added, "The brotherly relationship between the Kingdom and Pakistan is a model that should be followed by other nations."