Cash-strapped Pakistan Gives Scandal-Hit Saudi Prince Lavish Welcome

Islamabad: The Saudi crown prince is visiting cash-strapped Pakistan on the first leg of an Asia tour in what analysts view as a charm offensive aimed at seeking allies and repairing his image, which has been badly tarnished on the world stage over the gruesome murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi as well as a devastating war against Yemen, its impoverished Arab neighbour.

Escorted by Pakistan's fighter jets, the fleet of Mohammed bin Salman - known as MbS -- and his 1,000-strong entourage touched down in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, on Sunday evening for a two-day visit.

Pakistani Prime Imran Khan and army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa greeted the crown prince upon his arrival at the Nour Khan air base where he was welcomed with a 21-gun salute. Khan personally drove bin Salman to the official residence of the prime minister, where he does not actually stay.

Security has been tightened in Islamabad, with 1,000 new checkpoints erected around the capital and the adjoining garrison city of Rawalpindi.

The fortified diplomatic zone in Islamabad was sealed off, and the airspace over the city shut down.

Saudi and Pakistani flags were displayed throughout the capital, alongside portraits of MbS and Khan.Pakistani authorities also blocked mobile phone and internet services in parts of the city, while Monday was also declared a public holiday.

Bin Salman's visit was delayed by a day amid widespread protests.

Protesters took to the streets after Friday prayers in Rawalpindi, calling on the government not to allow the Saudi prince into the country.The demonstrators blamed bin Salman for the killing of thousands of people, including the people of Yemen.

On the first day of the visit, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia inked several agreements in diverse sectors worth as much as $20bn for Pakistan.

On the second day of his trip, bin Salman, who is also Saudi Arabia's defense minister, held talks with the Pakistani army chief. He will meet President Arif Alvi later on Monday, when he will be awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan) at a formal ceremony.