RING OF STEEL
Kate Middleton and Prince William guarded by 1,000 police officers’ ‘ring of steel’ in Pakistan for their ‘most complex’ tour ever
KATE Middleton and Prince William will be guarded by 1,000 police officers during their five-day tour of Pakistan.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge today begin their first visit to the country, dubbed their "most complex tour" ever by Kensington Palace.
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The visit comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over the disputed region of Kashmir, with which both countries share a border.
Both claim the territory in full, but each controls a section, recognised internationally as "Indian-administered Kashmir" and "Pakistan-administered Kashmir".
The dispute received renewed attention in August when the Indian government revoked article 370 of the country's constitution, which had previously given Kashmir semi-autonomy from Delhi.
Skirmishes along the India-Pakistan border had already been increasing since February, when a car bombing by a group aiming to claim Kashmir for Pakistan killed 40 Indian security personnel.
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Details of the royal couple's engagements will be released each day amid the heightened security concerns.
They are expected to meet political and cultural leaders, see how communities in Pakistan are responding to the impacts of climate change, and deepen their understanding of unrest in the region.
A statement released by Kensington Palace earlier this month said: "This is the most complex tour undertaken by The Duke and Duchess to date, given the logistical and security considerations.
"Pakistan hosts one of Britain’s largest overseas networks, with the British High Commission in Islamabad being one of the UK’s largest diplomatic missions in the world."
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The last royal visit to the country was made by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in 2006.
The royal couple will also be following in the footsteps of the Duke's mother, Princess Diana, who visited Pakistan three times during her life.
Her visits saw her lay a wreath at Commonwealth war graves, tour Lahore's iconic Badshahi Mosque, and visit a centre for disabled Afghan refugees.
'NEW GENERATION'
This week's tour comes as London seeks to strengthen its international ties ahead of Britain's exit from the European Union, while Islamabad hopes to encourage tourism and reassure prospective visitors over security.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told reporters on Friday: “This is a goodwill visit, and they want to promote good relations between Pakistan, England and our new generation.”
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Government spokesman Iftikhar Durrani said: “This visit is definitely going to help Pakistan build an image in the world, to see that this place is no more a security risk, this place is peaceful enough to host dignities like the royal couple.”
He added that the Pakistani government would use the visits to highlight its current stance on the dispute over Kashmir.
The visit has already provided a boost to Pakistan's retail industry.
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Last week, stock of a pair of £6 earrings by Pakistani designer Zeen sold out minutes after the Duchess was seen wearing them at an event in London.
Yusra Askari, a spokesperson for industry body Fashion Pakistan, said: “The Duchess of Cambridge is a global fashion icon and trend setter.
“(It’s) time for Pakistani designers and the country’s fashion industry to brace for the ‘Kate Effect’.”
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