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News

TRH carry out engagements in Islamabad

30th October 2006

The Prince of Wales held face-to-face talks with the President of Pakistan at the Presidential palace in Islamabad.

During the first full day of The Prince and The Duchess of Cornwall’s official tour of the country, The Prince attended a private meeting with General Pervez Musharraf in Pakistan’s capital city.

As the leader warmly greeted The Prince of Wales with a handshake, he said: "Welcome to Pakistan. It's an honour. We have been really looking forward to this and we would like you to see Pakistan and every aspect of it."

The Prince replied: "I can't tell you how much I've looked forward to it."

He spoke of his "frustration" that he had not been able to travel to the country before.

Also at the meeting were the Pakistani foreign minister, the chief of staff and the President's military secretary, among others.

The Prince spoke of Britain's gratitude to Pakistan over its help in the fight against terrorism, particularly following the London bomb attacks.

He also said its co-operation with forces in Afghanistan was appreciated.

A Clarence House spokesman said: "The Prince thanked the President for his help with 7/7 and tracking down those responsible."

They met for 45 minutes in the uncharismatic concrete Palace, which was built in the 1970s, and talked about the devastating earthquake which killed nearly 80,000 people in the north of the region last October.

While The Prince carried out his duties on the fourth floor, three floors up on the seventh, The Duchess of Cornwall was holding talks with the President's wife, Begum Sehba Musharraf, and the wives of other officials.

The Prince of Wales also held talks with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

As Their Royal Highnesses arrived at a reception at the Prime Minister's home, The Duchess was asked how she was getting on.

"We're just beginning to find our feet. Tomorrow we'll feel more acclimatised. It's so beautiful, it's a great pleasure to be here," she said.

In a speech at the Prime Minister's house The Prince said: "For my wife and I, it really is greatest joy to be here with you in Pakistan.

"It's taken me very nearly 58 years to reach you and it's not from want of trying, I can tell you."

He said the British were lucky to have so many people of Pakistani origin living in the United Kingdom.

Nearly 750,000 of Britain's 1.5 million-strong Muslim community have links to the country.

The carefully organised and selected itinerary for the official visit is an attempt to show the Pakistani government that the relationship between the nations is two-way, illustrating Britain's commitment to working with the country on a long-term basis.

Mr Aziz stressed the importance of religious tolerance, a message The Prince will also be promoting heavily.

Speaking at the launch of The Prince's Youth Business International (YBI) scheme for Pakistan, the Prime Minister said: "We've got to get people from different faiths together so that we can understand each other and live in peace harmony and tranquility. If we can do that we can ensure for our future generations a peaceful world."

"May I conclude by saying that every one in Pakistan - me, The President and every citizen - is delighted with your visit."
He thanked British aid workers for their life-saving efforts after the earthquake and said that people were touched by their help.

The YBI project - a programme of The Prince's International Business Leader Forum - will aim to help disadvantaged young people in Pakistan make it in business as entrepreneurs.

Razia Anwar travelled from Blackburn, Lancashire, to Islamabad to talk about how she was helped similarly by The Prince's Trust through a mentor and a loan of £5,000 which allowed her to set up a beauty company.

Ms Anwar said: "It was great to have someone to help you along the way. This will be good for young people in Pakistan."

The Prince and the Duchess were treated to a performance of romantic pop songs.

They heard Hadiqa Kiyana - one of Pakistan's most famous pop stars - perform her version of the Carpenters' I Know I Need To Be In Love.

Shehzad Roy, Pakistan's heart-throb singer loved for his boyish looks, also took to the stage.