Saudi Crown Prince to Visit Islamabad and Rawalpindi on 17 to 18 February
Category: Unrest
Severity: 2 (Low)
Source: Drum Cussac
02/16/2019 (Pakistan) - Media sources reported on Saturday, 16 February, that the Saudi Arabian crown prince Muhammad bin Salman is visiting Islamabad and Rawalpindi (Punjab province) on Sunday, 17 February, and Monday, 18 February. Responsibility for security arrangements during the visit has been assumed by the army, police and Saudi Royal Guards; the authorities have imposed Section 144 prohibitory orders, banning the assembly of five or more people, in Rawalpindi until Thursday, 21 February, as a precaution. Islamabad's "red zone", which houses Parliament House and the Presidency, is reportedly going to be sealed off, while civil aviation authorities have been told to reschedule flights during the prince's arrival and departure. Further, accommodation shortages are likely on during the two day visit, as at least eight hotels in Islamabad have been reserved for the visit. Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing to sign a record investment package with Pakistan, including a $10-billion refinery and oil complex for the strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea. Along with a heightened security presence, unrest cannot be ruled out during the visit.
Members in Islamabad and Rawalpindi are advised to exercise increased caution and should anticipate travel disruption resulting from any protests over the aforementioned period. Travellers are advised to minimise time spent in the vicinity of any associated protests or demonstrations, due to the risk of exposure to potential crowd disturbances, opportunistic crime, and heavy-handed police response. Monitor local media sources for further updates on the strike and general security situation.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
Related
News Alerts and Safety Profiles are provided strictly for informational purposes and contain the best available data at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, the information in this report has not been independently verified and HTH Worldwide therefore accepts no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies in such information and any such liability is expressly denied, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made. Documents may be amended or withdrawn at any time without cause.