Acting High Commissioner called on Permanent Secretaries, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs of Brunei Darussalam

The Ministry required the Mission to seek the support of the Brunei government for our Candidature for the Membership of Independent permanent Human rights Commission (IPHRC) of the OIC. The Acting High Commissioner sought the urgent meeting to get an affirmative response on the request for support. The Permanent Secretary Hajah Dayang Siti Norishan Binti Haji Abdul Ghafor accepted the request for a meeting. The Deputy Permanent Secretary represented the Secretary and assured the support to the Pakistani candidature.

The Acting High Commissioner also discussed issues of bilateral interest including joint Ministerial Commission meeting, FTA group meeting to be held in Brunei and pending high-level visits.

The DPS proposed visit by the Prime Minister Imran Khan to Brunei. The DPS requested written material on the Hudood Ordinance and investigation process to ascertain the veracity of witnesses. She suggested cooperation in the field of Islamic banking.

Pak-Brunei Investment Company and its future projects in Brunei were also discussed. The expansion of the company and Bruneian investment in various sectors in Pakistan also came under discussion. The DPS requested for provision of seats to young Bruneian diplomats at Foreign Service academy for training. Moreover, Pakistani junior diplomats can be sent to Brunei for attachment. She assured that they were keen to have the joint ministerial meeting this year and also FTA Group Meeting in Brunei. The Mission will be communicated soon on the above issues. The Acting High Commissioner assured that Ministry would be requested to get material on Hudood, Qias, and Diyat from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Moreover, a seat to Bruneian diplomats may also be offered.

The Acting High Commissioner also held a meeting with Awang Haji Abd Aziz Bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof, Permanent Secretary of Religious Affairs, Brunei Darussalam on 27th February 2019. They discussed cooperation in the field of research, Islamic education, Sharia Law, exchange of delegations, scholars and benefit from each others’ expertise in Islamic banking, laws, halal food and many other relevant sectors. The Acting High Commissioner proposed to hold an exhibition of Islamic Artifacts jointly in April or May 2019. The Permanent Secretary appreciated and suggested that the exhibition may be held in May coinciding with Nuzool-e-Quran programmes. He offered a venue, local hospitality, publicity and transport for the Pakistani exhibitors. The Acting High Commissioner appreciated his cooperation. They agreed to hold the exhibition from 26th May 2019 at the International Convention Centre. It will be inaugurated by the Minister for Religious Affairs. It is expected that His Majesty the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah would also be visiting the exhibition. The High Commission has convinced a private collector to exhibit his collection. He has agreed to travel to Brunei and display his collections ranging from manuscripts of Quran and articles from caliphate times.

Brunei – Darussalam
27th February 2019