ISLAMABAD — Pakistani officials said Saturday a visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Islamabad has been delayed by a day, a sudden announcement that surprised many Pakistanis, who were preparing to welcome the Saudi delegation amid extraordinary security in the capital. It will be the crown prince’s first visit to Pakistan since he was appointed heir to the throne in 2017. But Pakistani officials confirmed Saturday that an upcoming conference of Pakistani and Saudi business leaders was postponed “due to unavoidable circumstances.” It suggested that Prince Mohammad will now visit Pakistan with a reduced number of business officials. Saudi prosecutors say the plan was masterminded by two former advisers to the crown prince. The kingdom denies the crown prince knew of the plot.

Source: National Post February 16, 2019 04:34 UTC