A delegation of high-ranking Arab nationals from various Gulf States, including the United Arab Emirates, will embark on a hunting trip in Pakistan later this year, informed officials with knowledge of the developments.
The Standing Committee on Law and Order (SCCLO) of the Punjab's Caretaker Cabinet on Friday considered and approved security and administrative arrangements for the impending guests and the subsequent hunting parties.
During the meeting, The Friday Times learnt, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) has been informed of the desire of Arab royalty who intend to make the trip in December.
The Arab dignitaries who will make the journey could include Sheikh Muhammad Bin Zayed Al-Nahayan, the President of UAE. Sheikh Hamadan Bin Muhammad Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the crown prince of Dubai, could possibly accompany him.
"They will visit Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Chakwal, Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar and Rahim Yar Khan for the hunting expedition 2023 (Tentatively in the month of December)" the CMO informed SCCLO.
The SCCLO was further informed that Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi wants heavy security for the visiting dignitaries. With the possibility that the visiting delegation includes a head of state, greater than usual security would be required. For this purpose, three companies (at least 300 soldiers) with a Wing headquarters of the Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) would be required for security. Rapid coordination between all stakeholders would also be required.
A senior official, who was part of the meeting, informed The Friday Times that all stakeholders had been aksed to liaise on this subject.
Official documents seen by The Friday Times showed that before the arrival of the high-ranking guests, a team from UAE will visit Pakistan to ensure all arrangements are in order and to their satisfaction.
"Additional Secretary (Internal Security) has been nominated as focal person from the Home Department," the document reads.
Two officials, including one at the UAE Embassy in Islamabad, have been named focal persons for the UAE Dignitaries.
After thorough consideration, the committee approved the requisition of troops for the protection and security of dignitaries from the UAE.
The meeting was attended by provincial caretaker ministers Mansoor Qadir, Amir Mir, Dr Javed Akram Azfar Ali Nasir, senior bureaucrats from the home and police department and the Deputy Director of the Intelligence Bureau.