'SECURITY FEARS'
Kate and William’s Pakistan tour – where are they going and when did it start?
PAKISTAN has tight security for two very special visitors – Kate Middleton and Prince William.
But what do the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have planned for day three of their visit and when did their five-day tour start?
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Where are Prince William and Kate Middleton going in Pakistan?
The royals visited a cancer hospital in Lahore today, with Kate Middleton donning a plastic tiara while chatting with young patients.
Kensington Palace is not releasing forward notice of their engagements in Pakistan due to political tensions and security concerns in the region.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's trip, at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, comes during heightened tensions between Pakistan and India over the disputed region of Kashmir.
Pakistan has seen a number of security incidents in recent months, including a bombing outside a shrine in central Lahore, and an attack by armed militants on the Pearl Continental Hotel in Gwadar, Balochistan.
In light of security concerns, the couple’s itinerary won’t be announced and details of their visits will only be given on a day-by-day basis.
Plus, they will be guarded by 1,000 police officers during their five-day tour.
In their public announcement of this week's trip, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said their visit will span over 1,000km of the country.
This will include the capital of Islamabad, the city of Lahore, the mountainous countryside in the north and border regions to the west.
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When did it start?
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's first official visit to Pakistan started on October 14, and will end tomorrow, October 18.
Their visit is the first official one to be made by the royal family since Prince Charles and Camilla visited back in 2006.
Kate and William touched down in the capital city for the start of the visit guarded by 1,000 police.
The duchess looked stunning in a traditional royal-blue flowing kurta, trousers and scarf as the couple visited the Model College for Girls, a government-run school for disadvantaged four to 18-year-olds.
The school uses the Teach For Pakistan programme, which is based on the UK Teach First system, to train its teachers.
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Later on, during a trip to the Margalla Hills National Park at the foothills of the Himalayas, Kate and William met children from three schools.
Wardens showed them round the 12, 605-hectare national park on the second day of their royal tour.
The couple also travelled to the Presidential Palace for an official engagement with President Arif Alvi, before having lunch with Mr Imran Khan at his official residence in Islamabad.
They then attended a special reception hosted by the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, where the duke made a speech.
In his address, he said the UK would continue to support the Commonwealth country as a "key partner and friend" during a visit which he hoped would strengthen ties between the two nations.
He said: "We share unique bonds and so it will always be in our best interests for Pakistan to succeed.
"You can always rely on the UK to keep playing an important role as a key partner and friend."
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On Thursday, the royal couple played cricket with children and members of Pakistan's cricket team at the National Cricket Academy.
Their day began with a birthday party for three orphaned children at a charitable organisation, SOS Children's Village.
They chatted with the youngsters and Kate spoke in Urdu to congratulate them.
William and Kate later visited the historic Badshahi mosque, also previously visited by William's mother during one of her visits to Lahore.
However, their day ended with an unscheduled event: The Royal Air Force Voyager aircraft transporting them back to Islamabad had to abort two landing attempts in the capital due to severe weather and was forced to return to Lahore.
The Press Association reported the plane shook with heavy turbulence and lightning strikes could be seen nearby.
William, an experienced air ambulance pilot, joked with reporters afterwards that he had been flying the plane through the storm.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announce their visit to Pakistan
Prince William and Kate Middleton are carrying out their first official visit to Pakistan between October 14-18, at the request of The Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
The Duke and Duchess’s programme will "pay respect to the historical relationship between Britain and Pakistan".
Their five-day-tour will "largely focus on showcasing Pakistan as it is today – a dynamic, aspirational and forward-looking nation.
"From the modern leafy capital Islamabad, to the vibrant city of Lahore, the mountainous countryside in the North, and the rugged border regions to the West, the visit will span over 1000km, and will take in Pakistan’s rich culture, its diverse communities, and its beautiful landscapes."
Their trip also involves visiting programmes "which empower young people, and organisations that help ensure they have the best possible start in life.
"Access to quality education, particularly to girls and young women is one of the UK’s top priorities in Pakistan.
"The Duke and Duchess are looking forward to spending time meeting young Pakistanis, and hearing more about their aspirations for the future."
Prince Harry and Kate are also keen to learn, "how communities in Pakistan are rapidly responding and adapting to the effects of climate change... and the positive work being undertaken to combat these challenges."
Aside from "understanding the complex security picture in Pakistan" they will also "learn more about the challenges and opportunities, both of the past and today.
"The UK has been a key partner for Pakistan, and The Duke and Duchess will meet UK and Pakistan military personnel who are sharing expertise to improve security."
The Royal website says the couple have "asked that this tour allow them opportunities to meet as many Pakistanis as possible, including children and young people, leaders from government, business and the charity sector, inspiring conservationists, and well-known cultural figures and sporting stars."
However, the website admits it's "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."
The couple said they "are looking forward to building a lasting friendship with the people of Pakistan".
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