Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Arrives in Islamabad for First Official Visit

ISLAMABAD: Prabowo Subianto arrived in Islamabad on Monday, greeted with full pomp and ceremony as Pakistan rolled out a red carpet for the beginning of a two-day official visit. 

At Nur Khan Airbase, Prabowo was welcomed by Shehbaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, joined by cabinet members and senior officials. The presidential guards offered a formal salute, while children dressed in traditional attire presented bouquets and waved Pakistani and Indonesian flags, all amid a ceremonial 21-gun salute that resonated across the airbase.

The visit marks Prabowo’s first official trip to Pakistan since assuming office last year; the previous presidential visit was in 2018. Islamabad describes the timing as symbolic: it coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Indonesia.

During his stay, Prabowo will hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and meet President Zardari. According to the Tribune, Top military leadership, including Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, will also hold meetings with the Indonesian president..

Officials say the agenda is packed: discussions will target deepening cooperation across trade, investment, defence, health, IT, climate, education and culture. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed. (Dawn)

The welcome ceremony carried more than ceremonial weight as it sent a clear signal. The flags, music, salutes and smiles reflected a shared history and a rekindled commitment to partnership. As Prime Minister Shehbaz posted on X, Islamabad and Jakarta “are bound together by a shared history, deep cultural affinity and a friendship rooted in mutual respect and solidarity.”

Both capitals are betting on this visit to re-energize bilateral relations — with renewed goodwill, concrete pacts, and hope for a future built on trust, cooperation and mutual interest.