ISLAMABAD: His Majesty King Khalid ibn Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia was accorded a memorable, colourful and reverential reception befitting his royal status as well as marking Pakistani people’s fraternal feelings of love, respect and affection for the custodian of Haramain Sharifain as he flew in here on a six-day State visit… . The Islamabad International Airport, bedecked in riotous colours and packed to capacity with an eagerly awaiting yet well-disciplined large crowd, reverberated with thunderous welcoming slogans as the King emerged from his special plane… . On hand to greet him were President Fazal Elahi Chaudhry and Prime Minister Bhutto while two smart kids — attired in traditional costumes — presented bouquets to His Majesty.

King Khalid’s arrival was heralded by a 21-gun salute. The Saudi royal aircraft was escorted, as it entered Pakistan airspace, by Pakistani Mirage fighters. Accompanying the 80-member royal entourage was a Pakistani honour delegation led by Federal Minister Mian Ataullah. … Airport ceremonies over, King Khalid accompanied by [the President] drove in a motorcade … to the State Guest House… . — Islamabad Bureau

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2026