The High Commissioner calls on the Mayor of London

London and benefit from each other: Mayor of London

H.E. , Pakistan High The High Commissioner appreciated Commissioner to the UK called on May- his initiatives as Mayor of London. or of London at his office, Speaking about the 70th Independ- City Hall on 30 August 2017. ence Anniversary of Pakistan, the Mayor Welcoming the High Commissioner of London appreciated the celebrations at his office, the Mayor of London stated organised by the High Commission and that the connection between London specifically mentioned the London bus- and Pakistan is as strong as ever. He said es wrapped with the beautiful images of London benefits from Pakistan and Pa- Pakistan as fantastic. kistan benefits from London. Mr Khan The meeting ended with an under- particularly recognised the positive con- standing to step up efforts to further tribution of the Pakistani diaspora in promote business, investment, culture strengthening relations between the two and sports ties. Both sides expressed countries. satisfaction over the level of engage- The two sides discussed broad areas ment between the Office of the Mayor of cooperation between London and of London and the High Commission Pakistan including business, investment, for Pakistan. culture, sports and education. The High Commissioner gave an overview of the changer Pakistan Economic Cor- Commissioner his plans to make Lon- economic turnaround in Pakistan and ridor (CPEC). don an open and attractive destination the opportunities offered by the game The Mayor shared with the High for businesses, tourists and students.

Flag Hoisting at the Independence Day

To mark the special occasion of 71st Independence Day of Pakistan, a Flag Hoisting ceremony was held at the Pa- kistan High Commission, London on 14 August 2017. The cultural component made the ceremony stunning with the largest gathering ever assembled at the High Commission. H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, unfurled the Pakistani flag to the tunes of National Anthem. In his address on the occasion, the High Commissioner felicitated the community in the UK and all around the world. He paid glowing trib- ute to the untiring struggle of Quaid-i- Azam Muhammad Jinnah, Allama Iqbal and other heroes of the Pakistan Movement. The High Commissioner said: “Pa- kistan is moving forward despite chal- lenges. Our economy is on an upward trajectory, with 5.4 percent growth this year. All institutions are in place and delivering. We are proud of our armed and civil law enforcement agencies that fought courageously against the extrem- ists and terrorists and restored peace in the country, including .” Speaking about the regional peace, the High Commissioner reiterated Paki- stan’s policy of peaceful neighbourhood and resolution of all outstanding issues including the issue of Kashmir. He stated in the UN resolutions. Pakistani cuisine. that Pakistan would continue its politi- Many British friends of Pakistan and Similar Independence Day events cal, diplomatic and moral support to the representatives of the British govern- were held at all the four Consulates people of Kashmir till they achieve their ment witnessed the ceremony.Guests of Pakistan in Birmingham, Bradford, right to self-determination as enshrined were served with brunch of traditional Glasgow, and Manchester. First British woman who conquered K-2, brings Pakistani flag to the High Commission

The Pakistani flag that was raised on landscape of northern areas, and the K-2 summit, was brought to the Paki- economic potential of the country. stan High Commission London on 29 Welcoming the mountaineer, the August 2017. Vanessa O’Brian, the first High Commissioner felicitated Vanessa British woman who conquered K-2 on on her singular achievement of becom- 28 July 2017, proudly raised the flags of ing the first British woman to summit Pakistan and the UK on the K-2 peak, the K-2. He commended her indefat- which is the second tallest in the world. igable determination and courage to Vanessa presented the Pakistani accomplish this difficult adventure. The flag to H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, the High High Commissioner thanked Vanessa Commissioner, on 29 August 2017 at a for telling the positive story about Pa- reception organized in her honour at kistan and its people and termed her a the High Commission. goodwill ambassador of Pakistan. He By completing the round-trip jour- also hoped that Vanessa’s achievement ney from base camp to summit, Vanessa and amazing story would attract many became the first British woman to con- more mountaineers and adventure tour- quer K-2, 24 years after Jonathan Pratt ists to Pakistan in future. became the first British male to do the same in 1993. In her remarks at the High Commission, Vanessa shared the story to accomplish the feat. She fondly nar- people of Pakistan, especially talented of her challenging journey to the top of rated her experiences in Pakistan as to youth, their generous hospitality, the K-2 and spoke about her determination how much she was impressed by the pristine beauty of the mountains and

The First Lady, Begum Mahmooda attends UK-APWA Re-Union

The First Lady, Begum Mahmooda Committee. glowing tribute to the vision and fore- liant’. Mrs. Sadaf Abbas emphasized on Mamnoon Hussain attended the UK-All In her remarks on the occasion, the sight of Begum Ra’ana , the need to celebrate the achievements Pakistan Women Association (APWA), First Lady dwelt upon the historical who founded APWA, to organize and of Pakistani women. reception as Chief Guest at the Pakistan moments of the creation of Pakistan empower the women of Pakistan. Mrs. Nasim Khan, Chairperson High Commission London. She was in- and narrated the challenges that the In her welcome address, Begum High UK-APWA and Executive Committee vited by Begum High Commissioner newly-born state faced successfully. She Commissioner stated that APWA, over also spoke on the occasion. Mrs Sadaf Abbas, who is also Patron said creation of APWA was a manifes- the years, has moved from strength to UK-APWA. The event was held for tation of our determination to make strength and its work towards women the Re-Union of UK-APWA Executive this country great. The First Lady paid empowerment is ‘outstanding and bril- High achievers from Government Schools of Pakistan received at the High Commission

A group of 25 top achievers of gov- ernment schools from all over Pakistan were given a reception at the Pakistan High Commission, London on 7 August 2017. They participated in the London International Youth Science Forum (LI- YSF). The students were selected un- der “Science Talent Farming Scheme (STFS)”, a project of Pakistan Science Foundation - Ministry of Science & Technology, Islamabad. Welcoming the students, H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, the High Commissioner congratulated the students on their academic achievements. He also ap- preciated their dedication, hard work, and commitment to purpose. The High Commissioner hoped that the country would benefit from their knowledge and focus on talent hunt from the govern- Pakistan. 300 students each year from all over Pa- expertise in future. ment schools from across the country “Science Talent Farming Scheme kistan who have passed matriculation The High Commissioner commended that would ensure equal opportunities (STFS)” is a fully Government funded from Government schools. the Federal Government’s initiative to for students belonging to all regions of project meant for selection of talented Women academics from Pakistan visit the High Commission

A five-member delegation of academ- contemporary academic, social as well ia from Critical Thinking Forum (CTF) as political debates. of the International Islamic University, Welcoming the delegation, H.E. Syed Islamabad, led by Prof. Dr. Munazza Ibne Abbas, the High Commissioner Yaqoob, Department of English, visited commended the delegation for their the High Commission on 15 August, endeavours to empower women of Pa- 2017. kistan through education, research, and Currently working on an upcoming other necessary skill sets. He stated that project entitled “Consciousness Raising Pakistani women equipped with quality of Pakistani Women on Contemporary education and knowledge of contempo- Academic and Social Issues”, the Pro- rary issues can challenge the prevalent ject is being carried out by the Critical stereotypes and change the perception Thinking Forum (CTF). Its aim is to of Pakistan in a much better way. empower young women researchers While in the UK, the team CTF also and scholars by equipping them with met with the South Asian and British interacted with the intellectuals and Sonia Irum, Summaira Batool Malik, critical awareness and effective com- community to help rectify miscon- academia in the UK during scholarly and Sadaf Mehmood. munication and professional skills and ceptions of foreign cultures through sessions with them. Other members of engaging them in dialogue on important people to people interaction. They also the delegation include Sofia Hussain, Hazrat Amir Khusrow remembered at the High Commission

Hazrat Amir Khusrow, the renowned Amir Khusrow, Allama Iqbal, and Faiz poetry of Khusrow and Allama Iqbal Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, Deputy High Sufi Muslim musician, poet, and scholar Ahmed Faiz. and said both derived inspiration from Commissioner presided over the event. of the 13th century was remembered at Dr. Abedi spoke at length about the Holy Quran. He thanked the speakers for their con- the Pakistan High Commission London, Khusrow’s influence on his age as well Advocate Khalil ur Rehman from tribution towards promotion of on the evening of 17 August 2017. as his relevance in the recent times. New also spoke on the occasion. literature and preserving our cultural To commemorate the iconic figure of He said Khusrow deeply impacted his He shed light on the influence of Hazrat legacy. the cultural history of the Indian sub- contemporary literary and music era Nizamuddin Aulia on the personality Dr. Javaid Sheikh, Chairman Urdu continent, the High Commission and through originality of his art. Dr. Abedi of Hazrat Amir Khusrow. He said that Markaz London moderated the event. Urdu Markaz London jointly organized elaborated Khusrow’s Sufi orientation, Khusrow was a disciple of Nizamuddin an evening with Dr Syed Taqi Abedi of mainly acquired from his spiritual guide Aulia and his entire spiritual life was Toronto who has written several books Hazrar Nizamuddin Auliya. He also shaped by his close association with the on Urdu literature, especially on Hazrat dwelt upon the commonalities in the latter. My heart moves to see befitting farewell to Dr RuthPfau

ing people for nearly 57 years. The of Dr on Saturday proved that the people of Pakistan value those who care for them. As I watched on television, as the state-run and pri- vate television networks of Pakistan broadcast live footage of her funeral, this sight of an exceptional measure for a foreign Christian in this Muslim country overwhelmed my heart and soul. By Dr Cllr James Shera Every Pakistani has paid tributes to (Sitara-e-Pakistan, MBE) the person who was not born on this soil and practiced a religion different from The coffin, wrapped in Pakistani flag, the majority of population. Prime Min- carried by Pakistani soldiers, nineteen ister of Pakistan cannon shots fired to pay salute and live also paid rich tributes to Dr Pfau stating coverage on all the TV channels of Pa- “Although she was born in Germany, her kistan of a funeral ceremony attended heart has always been in Pakistan”. The by nobody less than President of Paki- spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign stan Mamoon Hussain, Chief of Army Affairs Nafees Zakaria emphasized “the Staff General , Air entire Pakistani nation is paying tribute Chief Marshal and Vice to the extraordinary work of Dr. Pfau, Admiral Zafar Mehmood along with and we will always remember her with thousands of mourners from all walks of fondness, we lost a national heroine.” Dr Ruth Pfau life including Muslim religious leaders The respect and love of people of In collaboration with the government was decorated with highest honours and gathered at the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Pakistan for Sister Pfau was very well of Pakistan, Ruth Pfau had helped open awards of Pakistan in her life time. in Karachi. deserved. She had devoted her life to centres in nearly 150 cities in (The writer is a British Pakistani pol- These may appear to be glimpses of a fighting leprosy in Pakistan for nearly Pakistan, trained , assisted itician, educationist and councillor for funeral of a head of state but they were six decades. She arrived in Karachi in thousands of victims, and helped de- the last ten years and first Asian to be- not. This was the befitting farewell giv- 1960 and complications with her visa velop a national program in order to come Mayor of Rugby in 1981) en by the people of Islamic Republic of (to ) forced her to stay in Pakistan. control the epidemic, which had earned Pakistan to their heroine Dr Ruth Pfau, After visiting lepers, she decided to stay her high distinctions in Pakistan. a German Christian missionary who and for almost 50 years she took care, I feel happy that it is not after her passed away on 10th August after serv- as a doctor, of the most sick and poor death she earned the recognition, she of the city. Award winning NED University Team welcomed at the High Commission

The students of NED University of UK. The team built an outstanding for- Engineering & Technology, Karachi won mula student car that competed with “Breakthrough Award” on building an 85 leading international engineering outstanding car in an annual Formula universities from 65 countries. They Student competition in London. To cele- secured “Breakthrough Award” which brate their achievement, the 16-member has been introduced for the very first group, named ‘Team Formula Fusion’ time in this mega competition. The was given a reception at the Pakistan students not only managed to secure High Commission on 03 August 2017. extensive appreciation from renowned Welcoming the students, H.E. Syed judges of motorsports but also received Ibne Abbas, the High Commissioner, appreciation memento of a BMW F1 appreciated the team work demonstrat- aerodynamic part from F1 specialist ed by the students during the prepara- William Toet. tion and competition. He was impressed Formula Student is a student engi- by their passion to work for the scien- neering competition held annually in tific and technological advancement of the UK. Student teams from around Pakistan. the world design, build, test, and race a The students of NED University team small-scale formula style racing car. The worked tirelessly for two years to rep- cars are judged on a number of criteria. resent Pakistan at the world’s largest student motorsport competition in the New building for Pakistan Consulate in Bradford

also joined the meeting. The High Commissioner stated that Pakistan is keen to develop stronger business and trade ties with the UK in the wake of Brexit when Britain would be seeking new markets outside the EU. He invited the British businesses to take benefit of the trade and economic op- portunities available in Pakistan, espe- cially at a time when implementation of the project envisaged in the China H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Commissioner to the UK inaugurated has started. the new Consulate Building in Bradford The High Commissioner also met on 16 August 2017. The inauguration with Younis Chaudhry, CEO Regal ceremony was attended by members of Foods, CEO of Welcome to Yorkshire, the community, Mayors, Councillors, Ron McMillan and the senior manage- business persons, media representatives ment of ‘Institute of Directors’ (IOD) and professionals. Naz Shah MP also in Leeds. attended the event. Consul General Ahmad Amjad Ali The High Commissioner praised the accompanied the High Commissioner new facility and got very positive feed- in his meetings. back from the Community. Addressing During his visit to Bradford, the High resentatives of the Council in the City the community, he applauded their im- Commissioner met with Abid Hussain, Hall of Bradford on 17 August 2017. portant role in the socio-cultural and Lord Mayor of Bradford, Susan Hinch- Twinning of Bradford with a city of Pa- economic fields in the UK. cliffe, Leader of Council and other rep- kistan discussed. Imran Hussain MP Cooperation with International Maritime Organization discussed in London

Mr. Mumtaz Ali Shah, Secretary Ports, Maritime Information and Coordina- and Shipping Pakistan met with Mr. tion Centre (JMICC) established in 2012 Kitack Lim, Secretary General, Inter- to harness efforts of all relevant national national Maritime Organization (IMO), agencies and a number of international on the sidelines of 118th Session of IMO stakeholders to improve maritime se- Council in London. Commodore Raja curity and to coordinate effectively for Rab Nawaz, Defence and Naval Adviser prevention of any illegal activity in the at the Pakistan High Commission Lon- maritime domain. don accompanied the Secretary. Practical measures taken towards im- During the meeting, Mr. Shah ap- proving the maritime environment and prised the Secretary General of the steps the regular conduct of World Maritime taken by Pakistan vis-à-vis implemen- Day to create awareness amongst masses tation of various IMO instruments and also came under discussion. treaties. He also highlighted Pakistan’s Secretary General appreciated the sustained commitment in combating steps taken by Pakistan and hoped that maritime terrorism and piracy at sea. Pakistan would continue to participate Mr. Shah made a mention of the Joint as an effective member of IMO in future.

PhD spot for 18-year-old British Pakistani graduate

Imran Nasim, at the young age of 18, from Burgess Hill, has been offered a PhD spot in Physics at the University of Surrey. He has just received his first- class honours degree in Mathematics and Physics (BSc) while other school kids of his age waited anxiously for their A Level results. Imran enrolled in the Open Universi- ty aged 14 and graduated a month ago. He said: “I am really proud and it is very encouraging to be offered a Ph.D. spot, which I have accepted and will start in September 2017. I worked really hard on my degree, so it feels great. My as- piration is to go into academia – I am very excited.” Imran’s father, Tariq Nasim, 54, has been a tutor for the past 30 years. He has home schooled all of his children.

Mr Imran Naseem with his family, from left ; Michelle (mother), Adam 21 (brother), Imran (18), and Tariq Naseem (father) Independence Day Activities at the Pakistan Consulates

Manchester

Birmingham

Glasgow or Ekta Day as it is known is held in the to the 15th century. Like in Punjab, it the Shandur Festival in July where Given Pakistan’s rich cultural her- first week of December. Many will wear showcases the culture of the province teams from and compete itage, it is not a surprise that there are the traditional Ajrak and Topi and there with similar displays of races and hand- for the coveted trophy over three days. many festivals across the year marking are mega musical events and cultural icrafts but in the more dramatic open During the day there are cultural shows the significant milestones that affect the shows all over the province surroundings of having the mountains from both and community. Punjab has no shortage of festivals to the north and desert to the south. Gilgit-Baltistan as the pass marks the Festivals inject life and vigour into but the Horse and Cattle Show in March boundary between them. The evening communities all over the country and each year is definitely one to visit. It was The most colourful of the festivals will easily take you into the early hours keep traditions alive for future genera- first held in 1954, and includes cattle in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is that of the with much singing and dancing long tions. What used to be once small events races & dances, tent pegging, folk mu- Kalash Spring festival of Joshi in May after the polo has finished. have now become significant tourist at- sic, cultural floats and traditional folk where this tribe celebrates the coming tractions. Here are some from across games. of spring with much dancing and mer- the country. Then there is the Sibi Mela in Ba- riment as they offer thanks and pray for Starting in is the most recent lochistan. Held in February in this his- a successful year ahead. of these festivals – Sindhi Cultural Day toric town the festival traces its roots For Gilgit-Baltistan the highlight is