Dr. Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, Advisor to Prime Minister (APM) led Pakistan at FAO WFF held in Rome from 12-15 October.  Dr. Shah held strategic engagements with DG FAO, VP IFAD and Asst Exec Director WFP.  The interactions comprehensively reviewed bilateral cooperation while exploring new avenues for prospective collaborations. 

At FAO, he held separate meetings with 6 Directors for Departments of Food & Nutrition, Agrifood Economics, Animal Production, Innovation, Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment.  

APM delivered remarks at Poverty Reduction Session Co-Hosted by China & Brazil. Pakistan has recently joined the platform where success of ‘Benazir Income Support Program’ (BISP) has drawn overwhelming praise.  

APM Hon’ble Mr. Shah delivered National Statement at ‘Water Forum’ making a strong defense of strategic ‘Indus Waters Treaty’ andearlier represented Pakistan at ‘Restoration Initiative’ Awards Ceremony where Pakistan was among recipient nations. 

The Hon’ble Advisor held bilateral interaction with Excellency Dr. Yunus, Chief Adviser of Interim Government of Bangladesh. He reiterated invitation for bilateral visit to Pakistan and message of goodwill from Hon’ble PM Shehbaz Sharif.  

Hon’ble APM also presided over an Extraordinary Kashmir Black Day event and Awards Ceremony hosted by Ambassador and awarded shields of appreciation for services to Pakistan by Italian citizens, in climate change, media, scientific research on glaciers as well as outstanding achievements of Pakistani community in fields of politics, journalism, sports, interfaith harmony and social services. Hon’ble APM conferred ‘Sitara-e-Imtiaz’ to Italian citizen & former 2-term MEP, Fabio Massimo Castaldo for defending Kashmir at EU.  Mr Castaldo vowed to continue raising his voice at all platforms condemning gross human rights violations against Kashmiris and demanded action on UNSC Resolutions guaranteeing plebiscite. He lauded Pakistani community for record $1.3Bn remittances in 2024-25 and expressed satisfaction over initiation of NADRA services from Milan and soon-to-open NADRA Desk at the Embassy 

Hon’ble Mr Shah also announced establishment of Honorary Consulate of Pakistan at Naples.  

Following the ceremony the Hon’ble Advisor interacted with guests and invited 3 Pakistani players in Italian cricket team that qualified for World Cup present on the occasion to play a Bilateral Friendship Cup in Pakistan along with Italian national team.  

Earlier, Hon’ble APM also hosted 15 Pakistanis working with FAO and acknowledged Mr. Khalid Mehboob, Alternate Permanent Representative (APR) of Embassy for his 55yrs meritorious services to Pakistan.  

The participation at Water Forum and interactions on its margins afforded excellent opportunity to refresh contacts and review complete spectrum cooperation with Rome Based UN organizations while interaction with Italian civil society and Pakistanis at Embassy solidified bridges of friendship between both nations.