RAWALPINDI: Thousands of citizens today [April 27] welcomed the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr Suleyman Demirel, on arrival in the interim capital for his first visit to Pakistan. This is also his first foreign visit as Premier.

The Chaklala airport echoed with prolonged clapping as the distinguished visitor came out of the Turkish military aircraft and was received by President Ayub Khan.

Mr Demirel and President Ayub warmly shook hands and the Turkish Premier introduced his Cabinet colleagues, the Foreign Minister and Finance Minister, to the President.

An overcast sky since the morning threatened to spoil the colour of the reception, but did not affect public enthusiasm in reaching the airport to greet the distinguished visitor.

Minutes before the arrival of the Prime Minister, it started drizzling but as the plane landed right on schedule, the drizzle stopped and the plane taxied to the red-carpeted apron amidst clapping from the crowds perched on buses and the airport building.

Bunches of multi-colour balloons were let off in the air to herald the arrival of the Prime Minister.

As the plane halted, the Chief of Protocol went in and escorted the distinguished visitor. President Ayub Khan greeted the Prime Minister and introduced him to the Foreign Minister and Begum Pirzada.

Begum Pirzada received Madame Demirel and the wives of the Turkish Foreign and Finance Ministers and conducted them to the saluting base.

The President introduced the Pakistan Army C-in-C, Gen. Yahya Khan, and representatives of the other two services to the Turkish Prime Minister before taking the distinguished visitor to the saluting dais. A smartly turned-out guard of honour by a Pakistan Army contingent gave the salute to the Prime Minister while the military band played the national anthems of Turkey and Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2017