ISLAMABAD: The visit of Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen to Pakistan was cancelled at the eleventh hour for unknown reasons.

However, it is believed that it happened due to the prevailing security situation, especially in light of the attack at Karachi airport, Dawn has learnt from officials in the Foreign Office, interior ministry and police.

President Abdulla Yameen was scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on June 11 for a three-day visit.

During his visit, he was to meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and also visit his country’s embassy. He was also scheduled to meet representatives of various chambers of commerce, sources said.

All security arrangements had been finalised, they said, however the Maldivian embassy informed the Foreign Office that the trip had been postponed for an indefinite period.

The embassy of Maldives had not replied officially but hinted that the attack at the airport was the reason for cancellation, the Foreign Office source said.

The Foreign Office spokesperson, Tasneem Aslam, said dates for Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen’s visit had yet not been confirmed so the visit was not finalised.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2014