Sartaj Aziz leads bilateral talks with the UK

Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, delivering a talk at Chatham House, London on the “Strategic Vision of Foreign Policy”

r. Sartaj Aziz, Grant and British Council Chief Exec- tion by establishing a new UK-Pakistan security in both countries. The En- Adviser to the utive Officer Ciaran Devane. cultural forum; and continued securi- hanced Strategic Dialogue was signed Prime Minister The two sides discussed future coop- ty cooperation to tackle the common in 2011, and sets out the UK and Paki- on Foreign Af- eration to develop a deeper and strong- threat of terrorism. stan’s strategic partnersh ip in the areas fairs visited the er relationship, and promoting mutual The two sides reviewed progress made of trade and investment, development, UK from 18-20 interests. They also discussed priority under the ESD on trade, development, culture and education, and security. April 2016, to review the Enhanced areas of the bilateral relationship includ- culture and security. They agreed new Mr Aziz also represented Pakistan in MStrategic Dialogue (ESD), between ing; meeting and exceeding the bilateral roadmaps on trade and investment, the meeting of Commonwealth Min- Pakistan and the UK. He met Foreign trade target of £3 billion; establishment culture and education, and security isterial Action Group (CMAG), on 20 Secretary Philip Hammond, Secretary of joint Pakistan-UK Business Council; cooperation. April 2016. The Adviser delivered a talk of State for International Development expansion of development cooperation A joint statement was also issued at on Pakistan Foreign Policy at Chatham Justine Greening, Minister of State for in health and education; facilitation of the end of the review, reaffirming the House and visited the High Commission Trade and Investment Lord Mark Price, visas from Pakistani businessmen and commitment to a strong partnership to for Pakistan in London and interacted National Security Adviser Mark Lyall students; enhanced cultural coopera- increase prosperity, development and with the officers.

High Commissioner Syed Ibne Abbas along with Sir Ciaran Devane CEO British Council and Mr. Sartaj Aziz Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs

Mr Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs with Mr Philip Hammond, Mr Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs with Sir Mark Lyall-Grant, British Foreign Secretary at FCO in London. British National Security Adviser (NSA) at his office in London Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan meets Ms Theresa May

Interior Minister Ch. Nisar Ali Khan addressing at Institute of Strategic Studies ( IISS), London

Interior Minister Ch. Nisar Ali Khan meets with his British counterpart Ms Theresa May Interior Minister Ch. Nisar Ali Khan meets British National Security Adviser Mark Lyall- Grant

haudhry Nisar Ali Khan, illegal immigration, organized crimes, NACTA and officials from Ministry of Department would work with the Paki- Minister for Interior, counter narcotics, money laundering Interior would be constituted and UK stan High Commission in London and expressing satisfaction and other issues of mutual interest. would help in further strengthening of the authorities in Islamabad to address over the state of Paki- Secretary May appreciated Pakistan’s Joint Intelligence Directorate by sharing issues related to visas. stan-UK bilateral rela- efforts in fight against terrorism and of expertise and knowledge. Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan also met tions, underscored the assured Britain’s support to Pakistan The Minister also took up with his the British National Security Adviser Sir need for taking the bilateral relationship in this regard. Recalling the law & or- British counterpart the issue of visas for Mark Lyall Grant and discussed security Ca notch higher by enhancing mutual der situation back in 2013, the Interior students, officials and business commu- cooperation as well as regional situation. cooperation in all possible areas in order Minister said that as a result of contin- nity of Pakistan. He said that Pakistanis The Minister gave a talk on Pakistan to further tap the existing potential for uous efforts by our armed forces and intending to travel to Britain are facing security perspective at the International cooperation between Pakistan and the law enforcement agencies, the security extreme difficulties and inordinate de- Institute of Strategic Studies. Besides, UK. This he said while talking to his situation has significantly improved. lays in the acquisition of visas. he attended the annual dinner of The British counterpart Ms. Theresa May Discussing measures to further in- The businessmen of Pakistan are par- Pakistan Society as the Chief Guest. in London on 26 April 2016. The two crease cooperation in counter-terrorism, ticularly feeling the brunt of this tight- leaders discussed a host of issues ranging it was agreed that a joint team compris- ening of visa regime. Ms. Theresa May from cooperation in counter-terrorism, ing of British counter-terrorism experts, assured the Interior Minister that Home

Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Minister for Interior and Syed Ibne Abbas Pakistan High Commissioner with his spouse at Pakistan Society 63rd Annual Dinner Party Adventure travel in -Baltistan

Adventure Travel in Gilgit - Baltistan Talk at the Pakistan High Commission London

large number of tour- supplemented with photo slides of the tourists to this area. The speakers ap- majestic mountain ranges, which have ists and adventure majestic mountains of Northern areas prised the audience that the start of the determined for centuries the destiny of travellers assembled of Pakistan mesmerized the audience. summer is the perfect time to explore the South Asian region, snakes along the at the Pakistan High The attendees comprised many British these pristine peaks of Gilgit-Balitistan. ancient Silk Route, navigated by the leg- Commission in Lon- travellers who, in the past, had travelled There are now regular flights to endary Venetian traveller Marco . don on 29 April 2016. to those areas and the event provided and Gilgit-Baltistan which has signifi- Aptly described as the Third Pole, the Author and filmmaker Mick Conefrey, them an opportunity to relive their cher- cantly boosted tourism in the region. Roof of the World and a Paradise on Ajournalist Matthew Green and Wild ished memories. The event motivated Gilgit-Baltistan – the meeting point of earth, Northern Areas of Pakistan offer a Frontiers’ founder Jonny Bealby shared many young people to visit Pakistan. It the world’s four highest mountain rang- unique confluence of history, landscape with them the thrilling and fascinating may be noted that last year the British es - the Himalayas, the Karakorams, the and biodiversity. tales of adventure travel and best kept government relaxed the travel advisory Hindukush and the Pamirs--provides a secrets from the land of mighty peaks for its citizens for Gilgit-Balitistan which perfect setting for a memorable adven- of Pakistan. Their first hand experiences is likely to increase the number of British ture travel destination. Through these

High Commissioner hosts dinner in honour of General Sir Nicholas Patrick Carter

H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, hosted a din- ner in honour of General Sir Nicholas Patrick Carter CBE, DSO, ADC Chief of General Staff at his official residence on 12 April 2016. Other guests included FCO Minister for Pakistan Mr Tobias Ellwood MP, Mr James Gray MP, Lady Liz Carter. The two sides discussed issues of mu- tual interest and bilateral cooperation. General Sir Nicholas Patrick Carter visited Pakistan on the invitation of his counterpart General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Army Staff.

Dinner by H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas Pakistan High Commissioner in UK, in honour of General Sir Nicholas Patrick Carter CBE, DSO, ADC Chief of General Staff Tributes paid to Allama Iqbal at Mehfil-e-Mushaira

Rich tributes were paid to poet philosopher Allama Iqbal at a Mehfil-e-Mushaira ( Poetic recital) and live music at the Pakistan High Commission London

ich tributes were paid to ghazals in accordance with the occasion Mushaira, deliberated upon various di- love for Pakistan. He said that the High poet philosopher Allama and received thunderous applause from mensions of Iqbal’s poetry and philoso- Commission would continue to pro- Iqbal at a Mehfil-e-Mus- the audience. phy--the highlight of which was Iqbal’s vide a platform for cultural events to haira (poetic recital), and Renowned scholar of Iqbaliat Pro- emphasis on acquiring knowledge and constructively engage our community live music at the Pakistan fessor Dr Muhammad Sharif Baqa and education. in the UK. High Commission Lon- acclaimed BBC broadcaster Raza Ali Iqbal’s message is universal and very A the end, folk singer Ameer Shaukat don on the evening of 21 April 2016. Abidi presented short papers on Iqbal much relevant in this time and age, and Ali presented Kalam-e-Iqbal and en- RThe High Commission organized the and enlightened the audience about var- therefore it merits propagation, add- thralled the attendees with his perfor- event in collaboration with the ious aspects of his poetry, philosophy ed the High Commissioner. He also mance. Markaz London. and personality. appreciated the poets for their efforts A large number of Pakistani com- The poets from across the UK and Pa- In his address, Syed Ibne Abbas, High and hard work in serving the national munity and representatives of media kistan recited their popular poems and Commissioner, who presided over the language and spreading the message of attended the event.

Poets from across the UK and Pakistan recited their popular poems and ghazals in accordance with the occasion and received thunderous applause from the audience

A theatrical production folklore, Jungly Jadoogar

he Wagging Tongues am Majid and Abid Majid, birthed from Productions Ltd, in part- the remnants of memories of Cassette nership with the Paki- Kahani, Alif Lailah and the magical land stan High Commission of Kaukaaf. London presented Jun- Jungly Jadoogar, an English language gly Jadoogar, a theatrical play, aims to recreate the sense of won- play about a journey through traditional derment from childhood and relates TSouth Asian fairy tales with a modern to our younger generation. With its twist. The story presented a mystical humour, visual effects and fast paced adventure of two brothers, Billoo and story line, Jungly Jadoogar provided an Gulloo, on their fantastical voyage to entertaining experience for adults and rescue Prince Jalfrezi from the clutches children alike, who attended the per- of the evil sorceress, Jungly Jadoogar. It formance in large numbers at Olympia The Wagging Tongues Productions Ltd, in partnership with the Pakistan High Commission was an enthralling family show by Mari- London on 30th April and 1st May 2016. London presented Jungly Jadoogar, Talk on Global Challenges and Pakistan Foreign Policy

The Consul General of Pakistan Dr. Zahoor Ahmed gave a talk at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) on “Global Challenges and Pakistan Foreign Policy”

he Consul General of kistan is an important partner to the ning a major event to celebrate Pakistan’s the economic and educational sectors. Pakistan Dr. Zahoor University not only in terms of students 70th Independence Day next year. The talk was followed by lively question Ahmed gave a talk at recruitment since a large number of The Consul General gave a talk on answer session. the University of Central Pakistani diaspora lives in the vicinity major international challenges and in- UCLAN is the 5th largest Universi- Lancashire (UCLAN) on of the university but also in terms of formed the students about diplomacy as ty of UK with two campuses located at “Global Challenges and academic research and exchange pro- a possible career choice. He explained Preston and Burnley. At present, 10% Pakistan Foreign Policy”. He also met gramme involving counterpart Pakistani the basic contours of Pakistan foreign of total student body comes from South Tthe Vice Chancellor Mike Thomas and institutions and scholars. He also in- policy including Kashmir and other Asian background including 40 students discussed avenues of cooperation in formed that the University was offering global issues. The Consul General also from Pakistan. higher education. scholarship for one Pakistani student in briefed students of international politics The Vice Chancellor said that Pa- Nutrition Studies every year and is plan- and economics on Pakistan’s progress in Musical evening with Pakistani folk singer Dr Amjad Pervaiz at Manchester

onsulate General of Dr Amjad presented folk songs and Pakistan Manchester ghazals of great poets of Urdu including organised an evening Meer, Ghalib, Faiz and Nasir Kazmi. with renowned Paki- Thanking the artist Consul General stani singer Dr Amjad Zahoor Ahmed said that Dr Amjad rep- Pervaiz at the Pakistani resents the best of Pakistsn’s art heritage Community Center Longsight, Man- and creativity. Cchester on 18 May 2016. He is a varsatile artist and role model A large number of members of the who has excelled in academics, sports community attended the event and ap- and fine arts. preciated the performance of Dr Amjad Renowned Pakistani singer Dr Amjad Pervaiz at the Pakistani Community Center Pervaiz. Longsight, Manchester

An Evening with Dr. Bilal Qutub at Birmingham

Renowned Pakistani religious scholar Dr. Bilal Qutub at the Pakistan Consulate Birmingham. The theme of the evening was “Tolerance, Acceptance and Integration.”

he Pakistan Consulate and Integration.” A large number of ex- the British Pakistanis could further in- mosques and parents at home had a key Birmingham organized patriate Pakistanis belonging to different tegrate into the British society without role to play in guiding the youth. The an evening with re- walks of life attended the event. giving up on their own cultural identity. expats were delighted to have such an nowned religious schol- The proceedings of the evening re- Dr. Qutub’s remarks were followed enlightening evening. ar Dr. Bilal Qutub on 25 volved around the life of the Pakistani by interesting debate on contemporary April 2016. The theme of community in the British society. Dr. issues. The message that the audience Tthe evening was “Tolerance, Acceptance Qutub in his remarks elaborated on how took home was that the Ulema in the Mention Pakistan and sport and sure- mind right now is polo. We’re not talking To this day it is still played daily and reflecting in Shandur Lake will leave ly cricket is the first thing that springs to about Hurlingham Rules polo but polo the most popular sport of the north al- you as breathless as the action. mind? If not then perhaps the national in its original and wildest form. It is this though it is still played by the elite and Over the years this festival has grown sport of hockey? And if not these two freestyle form with very few rules that well to do. to become a major tourist destination then it must be squash where we once often ends with injuries as passionate Why is everyone getting excited about with markets, local cultural shows and were world champions? In any case, riders charge at one another at break- polo now? Every year in July, the two much singing and dancing into the night surely none of them ended up in bro- neck speed to score goals. rival towns of Gilgit and Chitral hold a to entertain visitors. ken bones? This freestyle form of polo originated three-day festival at a polo field on the The Shandur Polo Festival 2016 takes In the north of Pakistan and in par- some 2000 years ago in Ancient Persia , which at 3800m makes place from the 22nd July to 24th July. ticular the two mountain towns of Gilgit and was brought to the north of Pakistan it the highest polo field in the world. and Chitral, the only sport on anyone’s by Moghul empire almost 500 years ago. Not only that but the stunning vistas

Mesmerising view of Shandur Lake