Mission Events

High Commissioner chairs PTEN Roundtable, promotion of Pakistan’s tech exports discussed A distinguished roundtable forum to mark the one year of the launching of London-based PTEN initiative was held at the Pakistan High Commission London on 19 August 2020. The Forum was chaired by High Commissioner Mohammad Nafees Zakaria.

Friendly cricket match played between the High Commission and Woking Cricket Club teams Pakistan High Commission London’s Cricket Team played a 25-over friendly match against Woking Cricket Club on 23 August 2020. The match was played at the Wheatsheaf Recreation Ground Woking.

PRESS RELEASE ON THE OCCASION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY OF PAKISTAN.

Independence Day – Flag Hoisting ceremony at the Embassy of Pakistan Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ambassador Dr Muhammad Khalid Ejaz hoisted the Pakistani flag in the presence of Pakistani community and Embassy officials.

Pakistan High Commission Singapore holds Independence Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony A flag hoisting ceremony was held at Pakistan High Commission, Singapore, to commemorate 74th Independence Day of Pakistan. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mission restricted the gathering to High Commission’s staff only. Acting High Commissioner Ms. Farhana Asif hoisted the flag to the tune of National Anthem following which the messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out. The messages applauded the efforts of doctors and paramedic staff as well as the organizations that played a pivotal role in combatting COVID-19. The resolve to stand firmly behind our Kashmiri brethren in their struggle for the right to self-determination and commitment to sensitize the international community of grave human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJ&K) were reiterated. The ceremony ended with prayers for security, stability, and economic prosperity of the country in line with the vision of our founding fathers.

Singapore 14 August 2020   High Commission for Pakistan Ottawa, Canada Independence Day Celebrations in Ottawa, Canada. 14 August 2020   Consulate General of Pakistan New York

‪Flag Hoisting ceremony @ Pakistan Consulate New York/ Pak Mission to UN. ‬

Pakistan’s 74th Independence Day celebrated by Embassy of Pakistan Tehran. Due to prevalent Covid-19 situation in Tehran and instructions of health officials the ceremony was kept simple.

==== FLAG HOISTING CEREMONY HELD AT THE EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN IN DAKAR ON THE OCCASION OF 74th INDEPENDENCE DAY OF PAKISTAN==== A simple flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Embassy of Pakistan in Dakar on the occasion of Pakistan’s 74th Independence Day. H.E Dr. Ali Ahmed Arain, the Ambassador of Pakistan to Senegal hoisted the flag. The messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were also read out on this occasion. Ambassador Dr. Arain wished a very happy Independence day to Pakistani community members living in Senegal, the Gambia, Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire, Republic of Guinea, Republic of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde. The officers, officials and local staff of the Embassy were present on the occasion.

~LONG LIVE PAKISTAN~ 14 August 2020

The 74th Independence Day of Pakistan was celebrated at Pakistan Club on Friday. In view of the COVID 19 epidemic and the social distancing guidelines, the event was attended only by the Consulate General of Pakistan’s officials and office bearer of the Pakistan Association of Hong Kong.

Independence Day of Pakistan marked by Flag Hoisting at the High Commission High Commissioner expresses solidarity with Kashmiris, calls for accountability of crimes against humanity in IIoJK

*Pakistan Independence Day Celebrations* A simple and graceful flag-hoisting ceremony was held in the morning at the High Commission for Pakistan today. A sizeable Pakistani community living in Wellington and adjoining cities, attended the event.

A flag hoisting ceremony was held in the Embassy today to mark the 74th Independence Day of Pakistan. The event was attended by Pakistani community members in Romania.

During the event, Ambassador Dr. Zafar Iqbal conducted the flag hoisting of the national flag. At this occasion, messages from the President and the Prime Minister were also read out. In his remarks, the Ambassador underscored the importance of the Independence Day of Pakistan and highlighted the struggle of the Pakistani nation in combating different challenges faced by the country since its inception. He also urged upon the community to conduct themselves in Romania in a manner that adds to the honor and dignity of Pakistan. On the above occasion, the Ambassador also highlighted the need to remember on this day, while celebrating our independence, the struggle of the Kashmiri brethren for their right of self-determination in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) especially following Indian unilateral and illegal actions of 05 August 2019.

14 August 2020

To commemorate the 74th Independence Day of Pakistan, a flag of Pakistan hoisting ceremony was held at the Embassy of Pakistan. Officers/Officials of the Embassy, members of Pakistani and Kashmiri community attended the ceremony. Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Faisal hoisted the Pakistan flag while the national anthem played in background. The ceremony started with recitation from the Holy Quran. Messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out to the audience. In his remarks, the Ambassador underlined the importance of freedom for nations and mentioned the great sacrifices rendered for the cause of freedom of Pakistan. Two hashtags #KashmiriLivesMatter and #PrisonersOfConscience were also unveiled to express support with our Kashmiri brethrens and Sisters, bearing atrocities at the hands of Indian Armed Forces in IIOJK especially since 5 August 2020.

Today, on the Independence day of Pakistan, Embassy of Pakistan, Tashkent organized a special event at the Embassy. The event was attended by all Embassy personnel along with their family members.

74th Independence Day Celebrated at Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi The 74th Independence Day of Pakistan was observed in patriotic zeal and spirit at the Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi, today.

The 74th Independence Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was observed at the Embassy of Pakistan in Bangkok. A Flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Embassy in the morning. A large number of Pakistani diaspora, Thai Pakistanis and Thai nationals including women and children participated in the event with great enthusiasm, chanting slogans of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ and ‘Kashmir Banay Ga Pakistan’. Messages from the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.

Today, Embassy of Pakistan and the esteemed members of the Pakistani community living in Vietnam celebrated 74th Independence Day of Pakistan in Vietnam. A flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the premises of the Embassy of Pakistan, Hanoi. Charge d’Affaires (a.i.) of Pakistan to Vietnam & the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, His Excellency Mr. Qamar Abbas Khokhar raised flag of Pakistan, while national anthem of Pakistan was being played. Members of the Pakistani community, embassy officials and their families attended the ceremony.

Press Release ************** Flag Hoisting Ceremony on Pakistan Independence Day at the High Commission for Pakistan, Canberra Pakistan Independence Day was celebrated in Canberra with national zeal and fervour. A simple but dignified flag hoisting ceremony was held at the High Commission for Pakistan, Canberra to mark the Independence Day. The ceremony commenced with recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by playing of National Anthem. The flag was hoisted by High Commissioner Babar Amin.

The Independence Day of Pakistan was celebrated at the Embassy of Pakistan in the Republic of Korea on Friday. In view of the COVID 19 epidemic and the social distancing guidelines, the event was attended only by the Embassy officials.

High Commission organises National Minorities Day Celebration for the Community You ng boy Nadub Gill’s entry into Guinness World Records Celebrated Pakistan International Christian Medical Association launched with High Commissioner as its Patron

Press Release *************** High Commissioner Babar Amin met with Assistant Defence Minister Hon Alex Hawke MP

Pakistan and the Republic of Korea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Agricultural Science and Technology Cooperation. The MOU was signed during a meeting between Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch and Administrator, Rural Development Administration (RDA), Mr. Kim Kyeong-Kyu at RDA Headquarters in Jeonju. Ambassador also visited the various facilities of RDA and explored areas of cooperation in agricultural sector. The visit was coordinated by Commerical Counselor Imran Razzaq.

Embassy commemorated “Youm-e-Istehsal” after the completion of “One Year of Siege of Kashmir” against the illegal Indian occupational forces (5th August 2019). Small Pakistani Community based in Cambodia actively participated in the event. The event started with Recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by speeches of the honorable President, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister.

-Press Release- Today, a 2nd special commercial flight of the PIA (PK6572) took back 76 passengers (66 Pakistanis, 03 Russian citizens of Pakistani origin and 06 Uzbek citizens) from Tashkent, Uzbekistan to Lahore, Pakistan.

On 3 August 2020, Pakistan participated in the Republic of Korea-SAARC Partnership Seminar on Public Health and Poverty Alleviation in the time of COVID-19 in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Organized by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, yesterday’s event was the 11th Seminar in the series of seminars held annually to promote dialogue and understanding between SAARC and the Republic of Korea. Republic of Korea is an observer of SAARC since 2007.

Pakistan was represented at the Seminar by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Dr. Sania Nishtar and Ambassador of Pakistan to the Republic of Korea Ms. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch. Representatives from all SAARC countries and Korean officials and university scholars attended the event. In her video message, Dr. Sania Nishtar highlighted the linkages between public health and socio-economic concerns brought to the fore by COVID-19. She explained Government of Pakistan’s balanced and multidimensional strategy to address health concerns and the socio-economic fallout of COVID19. She expressed satisfaction that Pakistan has seen a drastic decline in COVID19 cases by ramping up its health system capacity, developing systems of monitoring and risk communication. In describing Pakistan’s socio-economic response, Dr. Sania Nishtar said the Ehsas emergency cash program which was rolled out within 10 days of the lockdown had benefited 16.9 million families across Pakistan. The cash program brought stability and comfort to families who had lost their means of income as a result of lockdowns. Dr. Sania added that COVID-19 response was a watershed moment for government functioning which became more agile, data driven and experimental in fast track adoption of cost effective ways of digital based working. Dr. Nishtar stressed the need for global cooperation to prevent backward slide on the gains in poverty alleviation. She said this was once in a generation chance to end poverty, inequality and climate crisis which needed a concerted effort by the international community. She appreciated the catalytic role of the Government of Korea and thanked it for organizing the seminar. 3 August 2020

PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

Press Release

(Nur-Sultan, 05 August 2020) “Youm-e-Istehsal” the Day to observe one full year of illegal action of BJP government on 05 August 2019 was held in the premises of Embassy of Pakistan in Nur-Sultan Kazakhstan to mark the military siege in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK). On the occasion, messages from the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan were readout. The participants also observed a minute of silence. In his remarks, Ambassador Imtiaz A. Kazi highlighted the plight of 8 million innocent Kashmiris at the hands of fascist Modi-led, Indian government in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJ&K). The Ambassador said that world community, the United Nations and Human Rights Organization had strongly condemned grave human rights violations committed by the Indian occupied forces in IIOJ&K. India has been in illegal occupation of Jammu & Kashmir since 1947 and has continuously violated a number of the UN Security Council resolutions for many decades. Despite its brutal suppression of Kashmiris for over 73 years, India has been unable to force them into submission. The Ambassador reiterated Pakistan’s unflinching support for Kashmiris to realize their inalienable right to self-determination through a free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations. The Government, leadership and people of Pakistan remain firmly committed to the solution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. 5 August 2020

Parliamentary Webinar on Kashmir Demographic change in IoJ&K is a breach of Geneva Convention, UNSC Resolutions on Kashmir dispute: High Commissioner Zakaria British Parliamentarians express solidarity with the Kashmiris

High Commissioner Mohammad Nafees Zakaria has said that the ultimate objective of India is to alter the demography of Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir, which it has been illegally occupying against the wishes of Kashmiri nation, in contravention of Geneva Convention IV and also UNSC Resolutions on Kashmir. He was speaking at a Virtual Parliamentary Seminar on Kashmir on 5 August 2020 to observe You-e-Istehsal marking one year of military siege of over 8 million Kashmiris by India. Giving a context to the Webinar, the High Commissioner said on 5 August 2019, India unilaterally and illegally enacted Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act 2019. Since then the Kashmiris are living under Indian military siege with no communication with the outside world and completely deprived of their fundamental rights. He said with the communication blockade and no media access, the reports of extrajudicial and custodial killings, arbitrary detentions, rapes and sexual harassment and destruction of properties have constantly emerged. This prompted Genocide Watch to issue Genocide Alert for Kashmir, he added. Mr Zakaria said change of Kashmir’s status is a violation of the UN Security Council’s resolutions on Kashmir as well as relevant International Conventions and Laws. He said, since 5 August 2019, UN Rapporteurs have published four reports on Human rights violations in IOJK. Besides, the human rights organizations such as Amnesty International, HRW, J&K Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS), Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP), the international media has also extensively reported on horrifying details of human rights violations and crimes against humanity committed by the Indian occupation forces under the direct command of the BJP government, he added. The High Commissioner said the overarching objective of illegal move by India is to bring about demographic change in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said that illegal actions of 5th August 2019 opened yet another dark chapter in human and Kashmiris’ history and this is not the only attempt to change the demography. India has been systematically changing the demography over the years through genocide, massacres, enforced expulsions, enforced disappearances and so on, he added. Mr Zakaria said disclosure of mass graves, mass blinding, mass rapes and extrajudicial & custodial killings of Kashmiris constitute crimes against humanity for which the international community must hold India accountable. Mr Zakaria said Pakistan stands with the Kashmiris in their rightful struggle for self-determination and our resolve towards supporting the oppressed Kashmiris is unflinching. He cited the Government of PM Imran Khan’s undertaking in this regard. A large number of British Parliamentarians attended the Webinar. The Participants condemned grave violations of human rights in Indian occupied Kashmir and expressed their support for the oppressed Kashmiris. They said that Kashmiris under the Indian occupation are suffering from one of the most brutal oppressions in the world. They were concerned that lockdown during the pandemic has made Kashmiri lives more miserable as they have no access to medical facilities and communication networks. This necessitates immediate action by the international community. The British Parliamentarians expressed complete solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiris and demanded an immediate end to human rights abuses by Indian occupation forces. They were of the opinion that demographic change in IOJK is a glaring violation of international laws and would further deprive the Kashmiris of their land and opportunities. The British Parliamentarians said Indian action of 5th August 2019 took the Kashmir dispute out of bilateral space and hence international intervention is required. The time for talking about it as a bilateral issue is over and, therefore, there is a need to drop the idea of bilateralism, they added. The speakers said that the characterization of the issue as a bilateral dispute and the language being used around it need to be changed to pave way for just and sustainable peace in Kashmir. Kashmir dispute can neither be resolved bilaterally nor through military means; hence, the international community must step in, they said. They said that multilateral institutions like UN, EU and human rights organizations should come forward to end the sufferings of the Kashmiri people. They undertook to continue raising the voice at appropriate forums including the British Parliament and with the Government. The speakers emphasized that any trade and economic cooperation with India should be contingent upon its respect for human rights in Kashmir. They also noted that the UK media needs to focus more on Kashmir in view of the ongoing pandemic and human rights abuses by Indian occupation forces. The speakers said every Kashmiri life matters and the world needs to protect their lives and civil liberties. Those who spoke on the occasion included Lord Qurban Hussain, Liam Byrne MP, Afzal Khan MP, Naz Shah MP, Muhammad Yasin MP and Tahir Ali MP. John Howarth, former MEP, spoke on his own behalf and on behalf of his colleagues. Debbie Abrahams MP, Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir (APPKG), and many others participated with their statements expressing support for Kashmiris and conveying their anguish at the blatant human rights violations in Indian occupied Kashmir. Raja Najabat Hussain, Chairman Jammu & Kashmir Self Determination Movement International (JKSDMI) also participated in the webinar. 5 August 2020   Pakistan Embassy Moscow

‘Yum-e-Istehsal’ The Embassy of Pakistan in Moscow observed ‘Yum-e-Istehsal’ on 05 August 2020. Notable members of the Pakistani community and locals attended the ceremony. Messages of the President and Prime Minister were read out. A short documentary highlighting human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) was screened followed by a brief address by the Ambassador. National anthems of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir were played at the end of the event.

Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan, in his short address, stated that Indian actions of 05 August 2019 drove the last nail into the coffin of its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. Reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the cause of Kashmiris, he maintained that the days of Indian occupation are numbered as the Kashmiris have decided that they will no longer bear the inhuman treatment meted out by the Indian Government. He also drew attention to the contrasting trajectory of India and Pakistan, since India chose this very day to lay down the foundation of divisive ‘Ram Mandir’ while Pakistan, on the other hand, is charting a way forward for a more pluralistic society. 5 August 2020

Embassy of Pakistan to the Republic of Korea is today observing Kashmir Yaum-e-Istehsaal. An event to mark the occasion and to express support and solidarity with the people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) was held at the Embassy. It was attended by young Pakistani and Korean opinion makers, bloggers and social media influencers. The event started with a one-minute silence to pay homage to the martyrs in IIOJK followed by videos, songs, poems and stories highlighting the suffering of Kashmiris in IIOJK.

Embassy of Pakistan (Riyadh) Holds ‘Kashmir Siege Day’ Webinar: Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh held a webinar on 5 August 2020. The objective of the webinar was to highlight different aspects of the Kashmir dispute, human rights violations and continued atrocities being committed by the Indian Armed Forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) since 5thAugust 2019, as well as to reiterate Pakistan’s continued commitment and support to the Kashmir cause and Kashmiri people.

Press Release

Webinar on a year of unabated human rights and humanitarian ordeal, military siege and oppression in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir To commemorate Kashmir Siege Day, a virtual seminar titled ” A year of unabated human rights & humanitarian ordeal, military siege and oppression in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)” was held at Pakistan High Commission, Canberra on 05 August 2020.

High Commission holds Photo Exhibition of Kashmiri victims of Indian atrocities in IOJ&K High Commissioner Zakaria participates in International Parliamentary Conference on Kashmir by JKSDMI & YPP

PRESS RELEASE ​ ​In commemoration of “Yom e Istehsaal”, the Embassy of Pakistan Jakarta organized a “Media Briefing Session” on 4 August 2020. The event was attended by ten prominent media houses in Indonesia including CNN Indonesia, Metro TV, TVRI (Official TV of Indonesia), Antara News Agency, MNC Media group, Radio Republic Indonesia (official Radio of Indonesia), Voice of Indonesia, Republika newspapers and Rakayat Merdeka News.

“Youm-e-Istehsal” Event held to mark one year of military siege in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) The Pakistan High Commission organized an event under the theme of “Youm-e-Istehsal”, to mark one year of Indian military siege of the Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), at the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo on 3rd August, 2020.

3/3 During her visit to Daegu, Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch visited the prestigious Kyungpook National University (KNU).Ambassador was accompanied by Comunity Welfare Attache, Shafiq Haider.

In her meeting with Vice President of the University, exchanges with universities in Pakistan including joint research and academic programs were discussed. Ambassador also raised issues of concern for Pakistani students studying at the university. Around 60 Pakistani students are enrolled in various disciplines at KNU. Ambassador also interacted with Pakistani students at KNU. She shared with them Embassy’s priorities and future plans. She encouraged them to work hard and stay united. Ambassador also answered questions of the students and listened to their advice and issues of concern.

02 August, 2020

PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS BY HIS EXCELLENCY DR. ZAFAR IQBAL TO THE PRESIDENT OF ROMANIA On 29 July 2020, the Ambassador of Pakistan to Romania His Excellency Dr. Zafar Iqbal presented his Letter of Credence to the President of Romania, His Excellency Klaus Iohannis.

Councillors’ Virtual Conference: Covid-19 and Humanitarian Crisis in Jammu & Kashmir Participants condemn India for aggravating plight of Kashmiris under siege in IoK during the Pandemic, call for UN intervention and express solidarity with the Kashmiris

Press Release Successful Repatriation of Pakistani Prisoners from Iran Pursuant to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Iran in April 2019 during which he requested President Hassan Rouhani of Islamic Republic of Iran to grant amnesty to the Pakistani prisoners on humanitarian grounds, fourteen (14) Pakistan Prisoners have been transferred to Pakistan today. The transfer of prisoner took place under the agreement of Transfer of Sentenced Persons that was signed in 2014. The transfer took place at the Mirjaveh – Taftan border where the Pakistani authorities received the prisoners. From Iran, Advisor to Deputy Minister for Justice and Human Rights, Syed Kamal Abdullah, supervised the arrangements for transfer. It was the first transfer after the agreement has been ratified by both the countries in 2018.

Opening statement by Ambassador Munir Akram, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations at the 2021 Organizational session: first informal meeting election of the Bureau of ECOSOC on assuming Presidency of UN ECOSOC outlining priorities for next year. (July 23, 2020)

Webinar on enhancing cooperation with Australia in the field of Pharmacy The High Commission for Pakistan organized a Webinar on the scope and opportunities for enhancing cooperation with Australia in the field of Pharmacy. The Webinar was chaired by High Commissioner Babar Amin while two lead Community Pharmacists Mr. Waqas Ashraf and Mr. Irfan Hashmi gave key-note presentations.

High Commissioner meets with Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust delegation; future collaboration discussed High Commissioner Mohammad Nafees Zakaria met with a delegation of the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust led by its Chief Executive Mr Neil Carr at the High Commission on 22 July 2020. Mr Carr was accompanied by Dr. Abid Khan, Medical Director and Dr. Muhammad Gul, Associate Medical Director.

International E-Conference “Promoting Applied Sciences in Pakistan” High Commissioner says Pakistan’s talented youth to shape the future; urges country’s scientists abroad to exploit the opportunities

Embassy of Pakistan held a video conference with Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) to discuss measures to improve trade between Pakistan and the Republic of Korea.

Mr Carsten Hasbach, Senior Director Government Affairs, Siemens Energy called on Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Faisal on 21 July 2020. He was accompanied by Mr Axel Brugger, Head of Berlin Office Government Affairs, Siemens AG. They briefed the Ambassador about the developments in the field of Energy sector. They also discussed the new technologies being introduced in the field of Renewable Energy.

High Commissioner of Pakistan meets the President of Sri Lanka Football Federation High Commissioner of Pakistan, Maj. Gen. (Retd) Muhammad Saad Khattak met with Mr. Anura De Silva, President of Sri Lanka Football Federation, at Independence Avenue Colombo, on 15th July 2020.

International Parliamentary Conference on “Kashmir Martyrs’ Day” Speakers express solidarity with the Kashmiris, demand end to human rights abuses, concrete measures, call India to account