Islamabad: Along the major roads and main avenues of Islamabad, flags of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are giving a festive look to the city on the eve of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman’s visit to Pakistan.

He is arriving Saturday on a two-day state visit to Pakistan, on February 16 and 17, the first to the country after he became crown prince.

Most residents were excited about the visit, as the crown prince has on a number of occasions has expressed his love and affection for the people of Pakistan.

The Saudi government’s recent announcement to reduce visit visa fee for Pakistani citizens is also being seen as a ‘gift’ from MBS for his Pakistani brothers.

During his visit, the Saudi government is likely to announce an investment package that is being regarded as the biggest by the Kingdom in Pakistan’s history including a multibillion dollar oil refinery in Gwadar.

On Friday, one could see, besides flags, huge portraits of Crown Prince MBS, Saudi King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, President of Pakistan Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan in front of the Parliament House and along the Constitution Avenue, on skyscrappers, plazas and buildings.

Meanwhile, the government has finalised preparations for a warm welcome for the crown prince and sources in the Prime Minister’s Office and Interior Ministry told Gulf News that Prime Minister Imran Khan himself will receive MBS (as Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman is fondly known across the world) at the Noor Khan airbase.

This is a rare sign of honour and warmth of friendship Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to give the Saudi royal guest, an official said.

Last month, on January 5, Prime Minister Imran received His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and drove his car from ghe airbase to the PM Office while Shaikh Mohammad sat next to him.

A foolproof security plan has been put in place to avoid any untoward incident during the royal visit.

Riyadh’s ambassador to Islamabad Nawaf Bin Said Al Mal has taken measures to make the crown prince’s tour a success.

Crown Prince Mohammad has scheduled meetings with a cross section of Pakistani people including students, youth, businessmen, religious scholars and others, the sources said.

Pakistan’s army has taken over security of the city during the two days and the route from the airport to PM House will be placed under close vigilance.

The two major hotels of the federal capital will be vacated to accommodate the guests accompanying the Saudi prince, said the official sources, adding airspace will be closed temporarily during his arrival and departure and people planning to travel through the Islamabad airport are advised to reconfirm their flights before leaving their homes.

Air traffic surveillance over the twin cities will be placed on high alert during MBS’s two-day stay in Islamabad.

People have been asked to minimise non-essential movements as law enforcement agencies will be maintaining heightened vigilance.

As soon as the crown prince’s flight enters the country’s airspace, Pakistan Air Force JF-17 fighter jets will escort it.

According to sources, the visiting dignitary’s entourage will consist of around 100 guests and a fleet of 300 luxurious vehicles have been reserved to provide them transportation facility.