Pakistan confers highest civilian award on Saudi crown prince

President Arif Alvi conferred Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with Nishan-e-Pakistan -- the country's top civil award. (PID)
  • Mohammed bin Salman was taken to the Presidency in a traditional horse-drawn carriage
  • The ceremony was also attended by the prime minister, army chief and other dignitaries

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Dr. Arif Alvi conferred the prestigious Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan) award on Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday in an elegant investiture ceremony held at the Presidency here in Islamabad.

The award is a state-organized civilian honor which recognizes achievements for Pakistan or an outstanding service for one’s own country.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, his cabinet members, the army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and several other high-profile officials and dignitaries from both countries were also present on the occasion.

The crown prince landed in Islamabad on Sunday as part of an official two-day visit to the country on the invitation of the premier.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy deep-rooted defense ties, with the armed forces of both the countries conducting joint exercises in Pakistan and the Kingdom on a regular basis.

Both the nations enjoy multi-faceted cooperation at various levels, too. Recently, Islamabad and Riyadh agreed to further enhance the existing cooperation in diverse fields.

On Monday, the crown prince also met with Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani. Later, he was accompanied to the Presidency by Prime Minister Khan in a traditional horse-drawn carriage that was surrounded by a contingent of President’s Bodyguards.