ISLAMABAD: Duke of Cambridge, Prince William has paid tributes to all those who endured sacrifice and helped build Pakistan to the country it is today.

His remarks came during a reception at the Pakistan National Monument in Islamabad hosted by the British High Commissioner to Pakistan Thomas Drew.

He said for a country so young, Pakistan had endured many hardships, with countless lives lost to terror and hatred.

Prince William also spoke of the unique bonds between the two countries and that Pakistan would rely on the UK to keep playing an important role as a key partner and a friend.

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He called for a concerted effort between both the countries to surmount the challenge of climate change.

Earlier, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton arrived at the venue in style in a rickshaw decked out in traditional truck art.

The National Monument was lit up for the reception.

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Wasim Akram and wife Shaniera Akram, cricketer Mohammad Hafeez, actresses Mahira Khan, Hareem Farooq and Mehwish Hayat, and singer Atif Aslam also attended the reception.

On Tuesday morning, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, visited the Model College for Girls in Islamabad.

The Royal Couple visited the school to highlight the importance of girls’ education. Kate Middleton wore a royal blue classic kurta with trousers and a dupatta.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived on a five-day visit to Pakistan on Sunday. They have visited Islamabad, Lahore and the Northern areas of Pakistan.

The Royal couple appreciated the initiatives undertaken by the Pakistani government to combat climate change and to alleviate poverty.

They called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi separately in Islamabad.

The Duke of Cambridge thanked them for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his entourage.