Mission Events

On the special request of the Embassy of Pakistan in Bishkek, PIA is also considering the option of regular flights between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan subject to permission of the concerned authorities. For facilitation of our Business Community in Kyrgyzstan and beyond, PIA has decided to offer charter cargo flights for Import/Export at the best competitive rates to enhance bilateral trade with Kyrgyzstan. This will be a major step towards enhancing trade activities on a fast track due to short flying distance between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Bishkek, 25th June, 2020

Also, the human remains of two (2) deceased Pakistani nationals were repatriated in this flight, to be laid to rest by their loved ones in their homeland.

23 June 2020

Bishkek.
19 June 2020

Ambassador Ahmad Farooq along with officials from the Embassy as well as Copenhagen-based PIA Office saw off the passengers at the airport.

Copenhagen

18 June 2020

Bishkek.
17 June 2020

Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago, Mr. Javed Ahmed Umrani, was present at the O’Hare International Airport to oversee arrangements for the flight and to bid farewell to passengers. Speaking on the occasion, Consul General Umrani said that repatriation of stranded Pakistanis is a top priority for the Government of Pakistan. The Pakistan Embassy in Washington, DC and its Consulates in the United States will continue to take all possible measures to ensure safe and early return of all the Pakistanis desirous of returning home amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The departing passengers appreciated the arrangements and thanked the Government of Pakistan for arranging their return back to their motherland.

14 June 2020

Two more PIA special flights departed from Jeddah for Pakistan this morning. PK-9764 carrying 140 passengers left for Faisalabad at 0430 hours while PK-9736 carrying equal number of passengers left for Peshawar at 0500 hours.

Deputy Consul General Shaiq Ahmed Bhutto was present at Jeddah International Airport to bid farewell to the passengers of both the flights on behalf of the Consul General of Pakistan.

After suspension of routine international commercial flights due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the Government of Pakistan started special PIA flights for stranded Pakistanis from different countries including KSA. Since 1st May 2020, when the PIA special flight operation started for KSA, over 3,500 Pakistanis have been repatriated through eighteen flights from Jeddah region. Similar special PIA flights are also being operated from Riyadh region.

The Consulate General of Pakistan at Jeddah, in close cooperation of PIA, is coordinating arrangements of these special flights from Jeddah region.

Jeddah,
14 June 2020.

Ambassador reiterated Pakistan’s concerns that in IOJ&K, under the garb of COVID response, the world’s longest physical and digital lockdown had been further intensified with brute force to alter demography and stifle dissent with impunity under draconian laws. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s call for close monitoring and continuation of Kashmir reporting process by the UN Office of High Commisisoner for Human Rights (OHCHR),on its human rights merits.

He also noted that COVID pandemic heralded a disturbing surge in Islamophobia in South Asia. Recalling well-documented incidents of denial to health services, socio-economic boycott, and outright violence against Muslims, Ambassador called on OHCHR to pay special attention to this virulent assault on human dignity.

10 June 2020

As part of the Government of Pakistan’s ongoing international repatriation flights operation, PIA special flight PK-786 carrying 251 passengers left Jeddah for Karachi today morning.

Deputy Consul General Shaiq Ahmed Bhutto and Consul Welfare Majid Memon were present at Jeddah International Airport to bid farewell to the passengers on behalf of the Consul General of Pakistan.

After suspension of routine international commercial flights due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the Government of Pakistan started special PIA flights operation to repatriate stranded Pakistanis from different countries including KSA.

This was twelfth PIA special flight from Jeddah and around 2500 Pakistanis have so far been repatriated through these flights since May 2020. Similar special PIA flights are also being operated from Riyadh region.

The Embassy of Pakistan at Riyadh and the Consulate General at Jeddah, in close cooperation of PIA, are coordinating arrangements of these special flights in their respective jurisdictions.
Jeddah,

10 June 2020.

PIA special flight PK 702, carrying 252 passengers, left for Karachi from Jeddah today. Director (Hajj) Sajid Masood Asadi and Consul (Welfare) Majid Memon were present at Jeddah International Airport to bid farewell to the passengers on behalf of the Consul General of Pakistan.

Following the suspension of routine international flight operations due to the outbreak of COVID-19, this was the ninth special PIA flight from Jeddah to Pakistan. A total of around 1,950 Pakistanis have so far been repatriated from Jeddah region through these nine special flights. Similar special PIA flights are also being operated from Riyadh region.

The Embassy of Pakistan at Riyadh and the Consulate General at Jeddah, in close cooperation of PIA, are coordinating arrangements of these special flights in their respective jurisdictions.

Jeddah,
7 June 2020.

The departing passengers were jubilant in the hope of being with their loved ones, after months of being held back. They were thankful to the government of Pakistan for enabling their return by carrying out this complex flight operation.

The High Commissions of Pakistan for South Africa and for Mauritius acknowledge the support of governments of South Africa and Madagascar for allowing this chartered flight. High Commissions also greatly appreciate the support of Äl Nusrah Foundation (a South African philanthropic organization) and local Pakistanis in Madagascar who evinced immense leadership qualities by continually liaising with all involved, in the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis.

Mauritius 05 June, 2020

The High Commission has engaged internationally acclaimed landscape Scottish photographer Colin Prior to publish a coffee table book which highlights tourism treasures of Pakistan. Colin Prior’s book entitled “The Karakoram: Ice Mountains of Pakistan” would highlight the majestic mountains of the Karakoram which are among the world’s greatest natural treasures. The upcoming coffee table book is being published early next year by famous publishing house, Merrell Publishers, London & New York.

High Commissioner Mohammad Nafees Zakaria signed the sponsorship agreement with Colin Prior today. The collaboration is part of the ongoing efforts of the High Commission to promote Pakistan tourism and attract foreign investment in developing the infrastructure in tourism sector.

In his remarks on the occasion, the High Commissioner said: “The upcoming book by renowned photographer Colin Prior will showcase the beauty of Pakistan’s ice mountains and promote our country as one of the choicest tourist destinations. In line with the Prime Minister’s vision and policy focus to promote tourism in Pakistan, we have been undertaking several initiatives and sponsored this coffee table book as part of our efforts to that end. Pakistan being the custodian of ancient civilizations, offers endless vistas for adventure, cultural, religious, recreational and environmental tourism. We invite the world tourists to visit Pakistan to enjoy the pristine beauty of its landscape and the traditionally warm hospitality of its people. Similarly, Pakistan is open for foreign investment in its tourism sector.”

The High Commissioner also thanked the sponsors.

Sharing his own passion for mountains, more so Pakistan’s unexplored treasure of unique mountain ranges, peaking about his upcoming book, Colin Prior said:

“There remains a great opportunity to raise the profile of tourism in Pakistan both here, in Europe and in the US which will give exposure to, what I believe to be, the most inspiring mountain destination in the world. Since my early 20’s, I have been fascinated by the character of this vertical landscape and its “Balti culture”. I am sincerely grateful to have the privilege of High Commissioner Nafees Zakaria’s sponsorship of the forthcoming book that captures the real beauty of Pakistan. I am looking forward to seeing the printed book which spans a period of twenty-three years and six, month long trips, which have been amongst some of the most remarkable journeys of my life.”

The renowned landscape photographer Colin Prior is inspired by the beauty of Pakistan’s landscapes, especially its mountains. He made several expeditions to Pakistan to compile the book. This would be the first high-quality photography book devoted to the spectacular Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan.

In addition to the High Commission, the other sponsors are Bestway Group, Rangoonwala Foundation, United Bank Ltd. Habib Bank Ltd. and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

5 June 2020

The departing passengers were seen off at the Freetown and Nouakchott airports by the representatives of the both Embassies. The departing passengers conveyed their appreciation for the arrangements made for their safe return.

On behalf of the government of Pakistan, Dr. Ali Ahmed Arain, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Senegal, conveyed his gratitude to the management of Salam Air, the government of Sierra Leone, the government of Mauritania, Honorary Consuls General of Pakistan in Sierra Leone and Mauritania and all others who made their valuable support in facilitating the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis.

Dakar
03 June 2020

PIA special flight PK8732, carrying 250 passengers, left for Karachi from Jeddah today at 1400 hrs. Consul General Khalid Majid and Deputy Consul General Shaiq Ahmed Bhutto were present at Jeddah International Airport to bid farewell to the passengers.

Following the suspension of routine international flight operations due to the outbreak of COVID-19, this was the eighth special PIA flight from Jeddah to Pakistan. A total of around 1,700 Pakistanis have so far been repatriated from Jeddah region through these eight special flights. Similar special PIA flights are also being operated from Riyadh region.

The Embassy of Pakistan at Riyadh and the Consulate General at Jeddah, in close cooperation of PIA, are coordinating arrangements of these special flights in their respective jurisdictions.

Jeddah,
31 May 2020.

PIA special flight PK8764, carrying 147 passengers, took off from Jeddah for Faisalabad this morning at 1100 hrs. Consul General Khalid Majid and Deputy Consul General Shaiq Ahmed Bhutto were present at Jeddah International Airport to bid farewell to the passengers.

This was the sixth special PIA flight from Jeddah to Pakistan following the suspension of routine international flight operations due to the outbreak of COVID-19. A total of around 1,200 Pakistanis have so far been repatriated from Jeddah region through these six special flights. Similar special PIA flights are also being operated from Riyadh region.

The Embassy of Pakistan at Riyadh and the Consulate General at Jeddah, in close cooperation of PIA, are coordinating arrangements of these special flights in their respective jurisdictions.

Jeddah,
28 May 2020.

The donation was offered by Temasek Foundation in a letter addressed to the Foreign Minister by Mr. Benedict Cheong, Chief Executive, Temasek Foundation, the capacity building arm of Temasek Holding. The delivery of the consignment followed acceptance letter by the Foreign Minister earlier this month, addressed to Mr. Cheong. Temasek Foundation has since been in contact with the Pakistan High Commission and NDMA, to ensure that the labs in Pakistan can read the test kits and the outcomes meet WHO protocols.

Temasek Foundation formally announced the donation in a ceremony today attended by the High Commissioner and TF’s Chief Executive Mr. Benedict Cheong. With no vaccine still prepared to treat the infection, testing is the only option to control this highly transmissible disease. The donation is therefore, of critical importance to Pakistan and will help our healthcare system immensely in curtailing the spread of this deadly virus.

26 May 2020
Singapore

The passengers included a bereaved family, laid-off workers, visitors with expired visas, stranded Pakistani sailors, the former Ambassador of Pakistan to Egypt, and other trainee government officers. Three Pakistani sailors, who were released by the Egyptian authorities on Thursday (21 May 2020) from a vessel in Safaga Red Sea Port, also boarded the flight.

The flight was part of the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to repatriate Pakistanis stranded in various countries through special flights.

23 May 2020

23 May 2020

Pakistan Ambassador to the US Dr. Asad M. Khan and senior officers of the Embassy’s Defence Wing were present on the occasion. From the U.S. side, Mr. David Helvey, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs and other officials were also present.

21 May 2020

Ambassador Abdul Salik Khan and a team of officers and staff from the Embassy were at the airport to bid farewell to the Pakistan nationals, who appreciated the efforts of the Mission in facilitating their stay as well as arranging the special flight enabling them to celebrate Eid ul Fitr with their loved ones.

With the concerted efforts of the Embassy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the two countries and seamless coordination with the PIA authorities, almost all stranded Pakistanis have been able to return to Pakistan safe and sound.

This was the second such flight during the past five weeks. Earlier, on 18 April 2020, 221 Pakistanis had returned to Pakistan from Indonesia. Around 450 Pakistanis were stranded in different parts of Indonesia due to flight cancellations and lockdowns amid Covid-19 Pandemic outbreak.

Jakarta,

19 May 2020

Consul General of Pakistan at Jeddah Khalid Majid and Deputy Consul General Shaiq Ahmad Bhutto bade farewell to the passengers at Jeddah International Airport and extended best wishes to them.
There is a large number of Pakistanis, mostly on short-term visas, final exit, medical emergency cases, etc. in the Kingdom awaiting return to Pakistan after the suspension of international flight operations due to COVID 19 pandemic. The government of Pakistan has started a series of special flights for repatriation of Pakistanis stranded in various countries including the KSA.

Pakistan Embassy at Riyadh and the Consulate General at Jeddah are coordinating arrangements of these special PIA flights in their respective regions.

Embassy of Pakistan, Ha Noi is a home away from home for all Pakistanis living in Viet Nam and Laos. And, we take pride in serving them.

18 May 2020

The passengers were thankful to the Government of Pakistan for arranging the flight to Karachi and also praised the steps being under taken for the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis.

Consul General Khalid Majid on this occasion said that so far around one thousand Pakistanis have been repatriated from Saudi Arabia through four special PIA flights. More flights are expected in the coming weeks.

Jeddah
16th May, 2020

پاکستان قونصلیٹ نے پی آئی اے کی 26 خصوصی پروازوں کے زریعے ابھی تک 5,883 پاکستانیوں کو وطن واپس بھیجا۔ خصوصی پروازوں کا یہ سلسلہ جاری رہے گا۔ قونصل خانہ میں رجسٹریشن کروانے والوں سے گزارش کی جاتی ہے کہ وہ ہماری کال کا انتظار کریں

14 May 2020

Ambassador of Pakistan, Dr Mazhar Javed, met and bid farewell to the passengers.

13 May 2020

11 May 2020
Singapore

Ambassador of Pakistan, Dr Mohammad Faisal, met the passengers on the special flight and bid them farewell.

8 May 2020

الحمد اللہ پاکستان قونصلیٹ نے پی آئی اے کی 22 خصوصی پروازوں کے زریعے ابھی تک 3929 پاکستانیوں کو وطن واپس بھیجا۔ خصوصی پروازوں کا یہ سلسلہ جاری رہے گا۔ قونصل خانہ میں رجسٹریشن کروانے والوں سے گزارش کی جاتی ہے کہ وہ ہماری کال کا انتظار کریں۔

PIA’s special flight made history. It is the first ever commercial flight from Pakistan to land in Republic of Korea. Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch thanked the crew for their heroic contribution in facilitating stranded Pakistanis.

6 May 2020

Consulate General of Pakistan

Press Release

PIA Special Flight PK 8710 carrying 250 stranded Pakistanis departed from Jeddah for Lahore at 0230 hours on Friday 1 May, 2020. Pakistan’s Consul General at Jeddah Khalid Majid and Deputy Consul General Shaiq Ahmed Bhutto were present at the airport to see them off.

This was one of the two special flights carrying stranded Pakistanis to home country from the Kingdom. The other flight with 250 passengers to Islamabad departed for Islamabad from Riyadh the same morning.

Over 13000 Pakistanis, mostly on short term visas and Final Exits, are currently stuck in Saudi Arabia due to the cancellation of international flights in the wake of outbreak of Corona virus. The Government of Pakistan is arranging special flights for their return to Pakistan.

Jeddah
1 May 2020

Pakistan High Commission, Colombo coordinated with Government of Pakistan and local Sri Lankan Authorities for the successful return of 50 stranded Pakistanis via Sri Lankan Airlines flight UL-1185 that left Colombo today morning at 0700 hrs local time.

Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Tanvir Ahmad was present on behalf of the High Commissioner to see off the departing Pakistanis at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo.

The returning Pakistanis thanked Government of Pakistan and Pakistan High Commission for arranging their repatriation to Pakistan. They also expressed satisfaction and acknowledged efforts by the High Commission for the welfare and well-being of community members faced with difficulties in the wake of the outbreak of Pandemic Covid-19.

Colombo

28 April, 2020

The same flight left for Islamabad tonight carrying over 50 stranded Pakistani nationals in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Poland.
The passengers were seen off at the airport by Ambassador Zaheer Pervaiz Khan and representatives of the Embassy.
Each passenger was presented a ziplock bag containing a bottle of hand sanitizer, face masks and a packet of tissue papers on behalf of the Embassy for their safety and protection from Corona virus contagion during the flight.

26 April 2020

Consul General of Pakistan, Melbourne, Sardar Adnan Rashid, also representing High Commissioner Babar Amin, saw off the stranded Pakistanis at the Melbourne airport. The Consul General iterated to the satisfied returning Pakistanis the commitment of Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Government of Pakistan to reach out and look after the welfare of our diaspora across the world. In keeping with the Prime Minister’s vision, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi had emphasized to all Pakistan Missions abroad to facilitate the repatriation of Pakistanis who desire so, he added.

The returning Pakistanis thanked the Government of Pakistan, Pakistan High Commission and the Consulates General at Melbourne and Sydney for arranging repatriation to their homeland. They also expressed satisfaction on the efforts being put in by the Pakistani Missions in Australia for the welfare and well-being of Community members faced with financial and allied difficulties in the wake of the outbreak of the pandemic.

Canberra
26 April 2020

Press Release 18 April 2020

Saudi Airlines Special Flight SV 3800 carrying 226 leftover Pakistani Umrah pilgrims departed from Jeddah for Multan at 0930 hours this morning,. Pakistan’s Consul General at Jeddah Khalid Majid and Deputy Consul General Shaiq Ahmed Bhutto were present at the airport to see them off.

This was the second special flight carrying Umrah pilgrims to Pakistan. The first flight with 250 passengers reached Pakistan on 15 April, 2020.

The pilgrims conveyed special thanks and gratitude to the Saudi government for arranging their return to Pakistan through special flights. They also highly appreciated the excellent arrangements made by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for their boarding, lodging and medical assistance during their extended stay in the Kingdom due to closure of international flights.

Around 470 Pakistani Umrah pilgrims, left in Saudi Arabia due to the cancellation of international flights, have returned to Pakistan through these two special Saudi Airlines flights.

18 April 2020

The High Commissioner took the Pakistani diaspora into confidence about the measures being taken by the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistani Missions in Australia to look after the Pakistanis during these unprecedentedly difficult times. He apprised the community members about the regular inputs being given to the Governments of Pakistan and Australia about various issues being faced by our community including the details of those desirous of returning to the country. He emphasised that the Government of Pakistan was making all possible efforts to facilitate our community abroad including to repatriate them.

The High Commissioner applauded the Pakistani Diaspora in Australia for being at the forefront of the relief efforts for their fellow community members. He briefed about the close coordination of relief efforts by the Pakistan High Commission and its Consulates in Australia with the community. He lauded the Pakistan Associations and Philanthropists for setting high standards of community-based fight back against the adverse fallout of the pandemic on the vulnerable communities. Appreciating the Pakistani community for abiding by the rules and regulations put in place by the Australian government, including social distancing, he advised them to remain steadfast. He also requested the community leadership to coordinate individual efforts for a meaningful impact.

The Pakistani community appreciated the efforts being put in by the Pakistani Missions in Australia and reiterated commitment to work together for the benefit of those in need. They also shared details of the work being done so far individually and from the platforms of the various associations to help the needy community members, including the Pakistani International Students.

Canberra
16 April 2020

During the conference, the High Commissioner apprised about the specific issues being faced by Pakistani students during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The High Commissioner took the student community into confidence about the measures being taken by the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistani Missions in Australia to mitigate the problems facing our students in the wake of this pandemic. He enumerated the various steps already taken by the High Commission including taking up the relevant matters with the Australian government as well as the various universities across Australia where Pakistani students are enrolled. Pakistani students will also be considered on priority for the evacuation plans that the Government of Pakistan has initiated, the High Commissioner informed.

The High Commissioner advised the Pakistani student’s community to remain vigilant and abide by the rules and regulations put in place by the Australian government to get through this difficult time. He also requested the student leadership to act in cohesion to help and guide those students who may have any specific needs.

The students who attended the video conference appreciated the efforts being put in by the Pakistani Missions in Australia under the leadership of the High Commissioner during these unprecedented times.

Canberra
15 April 2020

15 April 2020

The arrangement of this special flight is part of the overall efforts of the Government of Pakistan to facilitate and assist the Pakistanis abroad. Despite looming COVID-19 threat and lockdown in Thailand, the Embassy remained in close liaison with our compatriots in various cities of Thailand. We are grateful to the Thai authorities, including Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and relevant provincial authorities for their cooperation with the Embassy enabling a swift transfer of Pakistanis who were stuck outside Bangkok.

All our Diplomatic Missions continue to work round the clock to assist Pakistanis around the world.

14 April 2020

Fifty stranded Pakistanis were repatriated through
PIA’s special charter plane

(14-04-2020): A total of fifty (50) stranded Pakistanis were repatriated through PIA’s special charter plane from Tokyo. In order to assist the passengers, officials of the Embassy of Pakistan and PIA were present at the airport. The Embassy distributed protective masks to all the passengers and advised them to follow necessary precautionary measures on board and upon arrival in Pakistan.

The passengers thanked the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and the Ambassador for assistance in their smooth repatriation.

Tokyo, PR# 10/2020
13 April 2020

Donation of Medical Equipment for Pakistan from Fair Medical Japan

(08-04-2020): A young Pakistani businessman Mr. Asad Nawaz Khan, President of Fair Medical Japan has singlehandedly donated a huge lot of medical equipment including refurbished ventilators, ECG machines, ultrasound machines, analyzers, nebulizers, injection pumps and special wheelchair for Pakistan in response to the healthcare situation due to Covid-19 pandemic. Total market value of the donated equipment is more than Rs.35 million.
In a handing over ceremony in Kashiwa – a small town near Tokyo, Mr. Asad shared the list of equipment with the Ambassador of Pakistan in Japan Mr. Imtiaz Ahmad, who also visited the warehouse of Fair Medical along with Mr. Tahir Cheema, Trade & Investment Counsellor. The donor and Embassy representatives briefed media at the end of the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Mr. Imtiaz Ahmad thanked the donor on the behalf of Government of Pakistan while recalling the generosity shown earlier by Mr. Asad ten years ago when Pakistan faced devastation by floods. He also mentioned that at a time when the whole world is seeking such medical equipments and their prices are skyrocketing in open market, kindness of Mr. Asad is exemplary depicting his true love for Pakistan and Pakistani people.
In his message to the expatriate Pakistani community worldwide, the Ambassador further reiterated the need for self-safety first – encouraging the community to follow local instructions and all necessary precautions, and then contributing towards their homeland in whatever way possible.
The donated medical equipment is being shipped as a full container for Pakistan consigned to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) – the national focal agency to fight corona virus in Pakistan.

8 April 2020

High Commissioner of Pakistan H.E. Dr Abdul Malik was specially invited on the occasion along with the Mayors of Napier and Hastings city. Police Minister Stuart Nash and MP Lawrence Yule were also present on the occasion.

In his speech the High Commissioner acknowledged the positive reaction of the people and Government of New Zealand to Christchurch incident which fostered a sense of unity and togetherness among Muslims in The country. He appreciated the help and support provided to the victims families and those who were injured. He mentioned that Prime Minister of New Zealand Rt. Hon. Jacinda Ardern deserves special praise for her leadership role. Quoting Prime Minister Imran Khan, the High Commissioner said that Ms. Ardern was an inspiration and that she had shown the other world leaders how to react in the face of rising Islamophobia and extremism.

The High Commissioner said that Pakistan itself had been a victim of terrorism and has lost more than 70,000 innocent lives. The tragedy of Christchurch reaffirmed Pakistan’s narrative that terrorism is an international phenomenon, knowing no religion and boundaries. It has to be combated with strong belief and conviction and with the values and ideals common to all humanity.

High Commissioner also mentioned on this occasion that a Pakistani peace walker has come here to do a peace walk of 350 km from Wellington to Christchurch to express solidarity with the Shuhada and their families.
He said that everyone in New Zealand has a responsibility and a role to play for the betterment of the country.

The High Commissioner advised the community members to keep providing their all possible support to New Zealand Government in its efforts for ensuring peace and security in New Zealand.

Welcoming the delegation, High Commissioner Babar Amin appreciated the professional competence of Pakistan Navy. He lauded the Navy’s services in ensuring maritime security not only for Pakistan but also as a part of international community’s efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation, securing Sea Lines of communication and anti-piracy operations.

Deputy High Commissioner Tariq Wazir gave a briefing to the delegation on socio-economic as well as political developments taking place in Australia. He also briefed the delegates on various aspects of the Pakistan-Australia bilateral relations and informed the participants that the bilateral relations have become institutionalized and are on an upward trajectory. Speaking about the changing dynamics of diplomacy in the present age, he updated the participants on the functioning and responsibilities of the Mission.

At the conclusion, the Deputy High Commissioner conducted the Q&A session and responded to the questions of the course participants. During their stay, the Navy Staff Course delegation is scheduled to visit various government departments and Australian Armed Forces Training Institutes for familiarisation and experience.

Canberra
12 March 2020

Colombo
11 March, 2020

High Commissioner Mohammad Nafees Zakaria said doctors and physicians of Pakistani heritage have achieved great successes in their respective fields and made Pakistan proud. He was addressing the Association of Pakistani Physicians of Northern Europe (APPNE) as Chief Guest and Patron of the organization in Manchester on 07 March 2020.

The High Commissioner, who maintains contact with the Parliamentarians and community of the region, was warmly greeted by them. Prominent business people and media persons also met him.

The High Commissioner felicitated Dr. Amir Burney, President APPNE and Office Bearers and Members on organizing the first APPNE Annual event. He commended the significant contribution of doctors and physicians of Pakistani heritage to the British society, particularly to the National Health Service (NHS) of the UK.

Mr Zakaria interacted with a large number of Pakistani community from Manchester and its vicinity. He said 1.5 million vibrant Pakistani Diaspora serves as a strong bridge between the two countries. He acknowledged the outstanding work of the community in promoting the true image of Pakistan in the UK and worldwide.

Giving an overview of Pakistan, the High Commissioner said the economy of the country is on an upward trajectory as reported by international financial institutions and credible global publications. Similarly, tourism and related investments are witnessing exponential growth in Pakistan, he informed. He said since the global economic gravity is shifting towards Asia, Pakistan is poised to become the regional economic hub by virtue of its strategic geographic location and flagship project of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Mr Zakaria invited the Pakistani Diaspora and UK investors to take advantage of the lucrative business and investment opportunities in Pakistan.

Remembering the affectees of recent devastating floods in the UK, the High Commissioner appreciated community’s assistance extended to those in need. He also offered sympathies and condolences to the victim families of Corona Virus.

The High Commissioner particularly mentioned the plight of over 8 million Kashmiris under siege of Indian occupation forces since 5 August 2019. He said their unspeakable sufferings remain unreported due to complete cut off from the outside world. Their sufferings have not just started since 5 August but the Kashmiri Muslims have been suffering for over 7 decades, he added. Mr Zakaria said, “Let us not forget them amidst other challenges that have attracted the world attention from the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Jammu & Kashmir under Indian occupation.”

On this occasion, the High Commissioner announced that Pakistan High Commission would sponsor a Bursary for Urdu Studies at the University of Manchester. He said that Urdu is the fourth most spoken language in the United Kingdom of which a significant number resides in Manchester. With a view to enhancing community relations and assisting the work of public services in Manchester, this bursary would enable a selected public service employee to study Urdu at the University of Manchester, he elaborated. Mr Zakaria commended the work and efforts of Mr. Shiraz Ali from the University of Manchester, Dr. John Morley, Director of University-wide Language Programme and Dr. Justyna Drobnik Rogers, for promotion of Urdu in the UK.

He assured that the Pakistan High Commission would continue to engage with the University for promotion of Urdu language in the UK. The High Commissioner also appreciated the positive contribution of Pakistan’s renowned Poet Mr. Amjad Islam Amjad who attended the gathering, for promoting Urdu and Pakistani culture abroad.

Dr. Amir Burney, President APPNE briefed the gathering that the Association was launched last year with the objective to bring doctors and physicians at one platform to work in a coordinated and coherent manner. He thanked High Commissioner Nafees Zakaria for his guidance and valuable support.

During their stay in Ajmer Sharif, the Zaireen laid the traditional chaddar on behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan and offered dua (prayers) on 5 March 2020. The Zaireen along with Mr. Amjad Ahmad, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Pakistan and Mr. Saeed Ali, Political Counsellor of Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi were received by Syed Natiq Chishti and Syed Bilal Chishti as well as other notable members of the Anjuman Moinia Fakhria Chishtia Khuddam Sahib. The Dargah Sharif’s notables not only did the traditional ‘dastaarbandi’ of the group members but also took them through all the rituals of the Ziarat. Later, the Pakistani delegation also met the Dargah Committee and thanked the Dargah Sharif’s administration and local authorities for facilitating their visit on the auspicious occasion of the annual Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Ajmeri (RA).

Khwaja Ghareeb Nawaz, as he is popularly known among his followers, Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Ajmeri (RA) is one of the most revered Sufi saints of the subcontinent. He is the founder of the Chishtia order in the region. On his annual Urs, devotees from all across the world including Pakistan visit the Dargah. Hazrat Moinuddin Chishti Ajmeri (RA)’s message is that of love, compassion, humanity and harmony. His message provided spiritual nourishment to devotees from all backgrounds for centuries.

New Delhi
09 March 2020