Interior Minister meets the British Prime Minister and the National Security Adviser

British Prime Minister Theresa May that people of and its national walked into a meeting of Minister for security institutions were determined Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan with to completely wipe out terrorism from National Security Adviser (NSA), Sir their soil. The Minister said that over- Mark Lyall Grant at the 10 Downing all security situation in Pakistan has Street, on 15 November, 2016. improved significantly during the last Speaking to the Interior Minister, three years. Prime Minister May conveyed her good On regional situation, the Interior wishes to the Prime Minister and the Minister informed the British NSA that, people of Pakistan, and said that she was “a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in looking forward to visiting Pakistan, in the interest of Pakistan”. the first half of 2017. British NSA appreciated sacrifices of In his meeting with NSA, the Interior the people of Pakistan in fight against Minister said that menace of terrorism terrorism and assured to work together was a threat to the region and the inter- with Pakistan for further strengthening national peace and tranquillity. He said the bilateral relations. Interior Minister meets Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary and former British Prime Minister

Interior Minister Ch. Nisar Ali Khan tions and taking them to a higher level. of mutual interest. DRA and MRP offices at the Pakistan met Rt Hon’ble Boris Johnson, British The Minister also held a meeting Later, Minister Ch. Nisar Ali Khan High Commission and met the appli- Foreign Secretary at the Foreign and with British Home Secretary Ms. Am- met former Prime Minister of United cants. The Minister appreciated the im- Commonwealth Office (FCO), and dis- ber Rudd. The two leaders discussed a Kingdom David Cameron, and ex- provements in public dealing and con- cussed issues of common interest. The host of issues ranging from cooperation changed views on Pakistan-UK bilat- sular services, which came about since two sides reiterated their commitment in counter-terrorism, illegal immigra- eral relations, the regional situation and his last visit to the High Commission a to working together for regional peace tion, organized crimes, narcotics con- other issues of mutual interest. few months ago. and consolidating Pakistan, UK rela- trol, money laundering, and other issues Besides, the Minister visited the NA- Luncheon meeting with cross party British Parliamentarians

H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High the lunch included Mr Khalid Mahmood Commissioner to the UK hosted a lunch MP, Lord Nazir Ahmed, Lord Qurban in honour of cross party British parlia- Hussain, Mr Rehman Chisti MP, Ms mentarians at the British Parliament on Yasmeen Qureshi MP, Shadow Minister 21 November 2016. The lunch was also for Justice, Ms Naz Shah MP, Nusrat attended by Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister Ghani MP, Ms Julie Cooper MP, Ms for Planning, Development and Reform, Liz McInnes MP, Shadow Minister for and Dr Miftah Ismail, Minister of State. Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Mr The lunch was organized to apprise Graham Jones MP, Mr Andrew Stephen- the British parliamentarians on eco- son MP, Parliamentary Private Secre- nomic turnaround of Pakistan, China tary to the Foreign Secretary, Mr. John Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Spellar MP, Mr Gavin Shuker MP and and the regional situation including Mr Mark Pritchard MP Kashmir. Minister Ahsan Iqbal briefed the parliamentarians on the government reforms agenda. He updated them on the significant progress made by the government in key areas of economy. The Minister also apprised the parlia- mentarians of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and highlighted its importance in economic integration of the region and socio economic uplift of the people not only in Pakistan but in the entire region. Minister Ahsan Iqbal also raised with the parliamentarians the issue of the worst human rights violations by the Indian security forces in the Indian Oc- cupied Kashmir (IOK), and sought the attention of the international commu- nity in that regard. The parliamentarians who attended Minister Ahsan Iqbal at Future of Pakistan Conference

Mr Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for The Minister thanked the students Planning, Development and Reforms for putting together such a wonderful said that political stability and conti- event and giving him an opportunity to nuity of policies are essential for eco- put across government’s vision for the nomic take-off and development. He development of the country. was speaking as the Chief Guest at the The Conference was inaugurated by Future of Pakistan Conference held at Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Com- the London School of Economics (LSE), missioner to the UK. In his remarks, he on 19 November 2016. The event was said the Conference was being held at a organized by the LSE Pakistan Develop- very opportune time when the narrative ment Society in collaboration with the about Pakistan in the world is changing Pakistan Society and the High Commis- fast as the economy of Pakistan is grow- sion for Pakistan in London. ing and security situation has improved The Minister outlined the salient fea- significantly. tures of the China Pakistan Economic The day-long Conference provided a Corridor (CPEC), and its economic im- useful opportunity to discuss all what pact on Pakistan as well as the region. matters to the future of Pakistan and He said that out of $46 billion CPEC helped connect the young and bright portfolio, $35 billion was being invested students to the experts and scholars in in energy sector which would end the various fields. power shortage in the country. Minister Ahsan Iqbal delivers talks at universities and think tanks

Mr Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for In his talks, Minister Ahsan Iqbal ex- and rail network; and d) Setting up of three years. Dwelling upon the concept Planning, Development and Reform de- plained in detail the concept and salient industrial zones along the corridor. of CPEC, the Minister said that it is the livered talks at Cambridge and Oxford features of the CPEC project. He said Speaking at a seminar, organized by fusion of Chinese One Belt One Road Universities of the UK on 21 and 22 No- that CPEC has four components which the World Congress of Overseas Paki- and Pakistan’s Vision 2025. vember 2016. The talks were attended include: a) Development and Up-gra- stanis (WCOP), Mr Ahsan Iqbal said Besides, the Minister gave a talk at by students, scholars and academia as dation of Gwadar Port; b) Energy; c) Pakistan has assumed new identity due Chatham House, a leading think tank well as media representatives. Transport infrastructure including road to economic turnaround during the last of the UK. Dr. Sania Nishtar outlines her vision for WHO at Chatham House

Dr. Sania Nishtar, Pakistan’s organization. Dr Nishtar placed candidate for the Director Gen- universal attainment of the highest eral World Health Organization possible level of health at the centre (WHO), presented her vision and of her vision. plan for the WHO at a forum host- Dr. Nishtar also called on Lord ed by the Chatham House in Lon- Prior, UK’s Parliamentary Under don on 03 November 2016. Secretary of State for Health and In her remarks, Dr. Nishtar apprised him about her candida- called for bringing reforms to rapid ture. Lord Prior appreciated her fruition, embracing meaningful credentials, her professional expe- and timely transparency, institu- rience and diverse background in tionalizing true accountability, the field of health. ensuring value for money, and driving a culture based on results and delivery, to transform the Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly visits the High Commission

Mr Asad Qaiser, Speaker Khyber Pa- the Speaker and briefed him on the munity in the UK. The Speaker was also mineral and infrastructure sector also khtunkhwa Assembly visited the Paki- working and responsibilities of the Mis- updated on the friendly Pakistan-UK came under discussion. The High com- stan High Commission London on 24 sion. He also briefed the Speaker on di- relations and ongoing cooperation be- missioner assured the Speaker of Mis- November 2016. aspora matters and the improvement in tween the two countries. The subject sion’s cooperation in that regard. The High Commissioner welcomed Consular Services for the Pakistani com- of foreign investment in KP’s tourism, High Commissioner calls on Commonwealth Secretary General

H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High this, the High Commissioner highlight- Commissioner to the UK called on Rt. ed Pakistan’s potential role in enhancing Hon. Patricia Scotland QC, Common- mutually beneficial intra-Common- wealth Secretary General at the Com- wealth trade and economic activities monwealth Secretariat in London on 14 in the wake of Brexit. The ongoing co- November 2016. operation between Pakistan and the The two sides discussed matters per- Commonwealth in diverse fields such taining to cooperation between Paki- as science, education, trade and agri- stan and the Commonwealth, and the culture was also reviewed. post-Brexit opportunities for the Com- The High Commissioner reiterated monwealth countries. invitation for the Secretary General to The Secretary General outlined her visit Pakistan, which the latter accepted vision to enhance intra-Commonwealth with thanks. trade in the post-Brexit scenario. Upon Suleman Arshad wins the Commonwealth Youth Worker Award

Mr. Suleman Arshad, a youth in Pakistan through sports. He is and efforts aimed at empowering worker from Pakistan, has won the founder and the president of youth in Pakistan. He said that the the Commonwealth Youth Worker the Pakistan Para Climbing Club, club provides opportunities to the Award 2016 from the Asia Region. the first club of its kind in Pakistan. young people to create a positive The award was announced in a Despite his visual impairment, impact on the society. Mr Arshad ceremony held at the Common- Mr. Arshad has been working to added that the award was a great wealth Secretariat in London on 10 promote inclusive sports empower- encouragement for him and would November 2016. ment programmes in Pakistan. help him serve the youth with The award has been given to Mr. In his message, Mr. Arshad, more vigour. Arshad in recognition of his servic- thanked the Commonwealth Sec- es for the empowerment of youth retariat for recognizing his work Cultral Outreach Cultural Evening at the High Commission

A cultural evening full of poetry, sat- his popular poems and won a thunder- treat for the audience in a chilly evening ry of and Anwer ire, humour and music enthralled the ous applause from the audience. His re- of London. Famous Pakistani singer, Masood. He also commended Rajab Ali audience at the Pakistan High Com- cital comprised romantic poetry, poems Rajab Ali of Gawaliar Gharana made the for introducing Pakistani music abroad. mission in London on 29th November for Pakistan and some serious poetry evening memorable with his melodious People from all walks of life were in 2016. The evening featured renowned reflecting his outlook on life. voice. His famous songs, ghazals and attendance. The world famous Kathak Pakistani poets, Amjad Islam Amjad Similarly Anwar Masood, known qawwali created a beautiful atmosphere. dancer and a delegation and Anwar Masood, and famous singer for his humorous and satirical poetry, Welcoming the guests, H.E. Syed Ibne of women entrepreneurs from Wom- Rajab Ali. amused the audience amid cheers and Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner en Chamber of Commerce & Industry Amjad Islam Amjad read out some of laughter. Listening to him was quite a to the UK appreciated the great poet- (WCCI), also attended the event. Pakistani Stall attracts all at Commonwealth Fair

With its traditional handicrafts, clothes and exotic cuisine, the spec- tacular Pakistani Stall turned out to be a huge attraction for the visitors at the Commonwealth Fair 2016. The Annual Commonwealth Fair was organized by Commonwealth Countries League (CCL), to raise funds for the Commonwealth Girls Education Fund (CGEF), and was held at Kensington Town Hall, London on 12 November 2016. Begum High Commissioner, Mrs. Sadaf Abbas, along with the ladies of Pakistan High Commission showcased the beautiful handicrafts made by Pa- kistani women. She also presented a traditional shawl to Mrs Elizabeth Ru- therford, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, who visited the Pakistani Stall. The Mayor appreciated the beauty and diversity of the Stall. The proceeds of the Pakistani Stall were donated to the CGEF. ’s 100th Birthday commemorated at the High Commission

The 100th birth anniversary of screening of a documentary on the ture. He said: “Art and culture is Faizan Arif read out brief papers renowned poet, Ahmad Nadeem life and work of Qasmi Sahib, talk the best medium to communicate on the work of Ahmad Nadeen Qa- Qasmi was commemorated at Paki- on his poetry and short story and with the world. That’s why the High smi. Ms Durdana Ansari OBE sang stan High Commission London on singing of his famous ghazals. Commission always strives to hold some beautiful poetry of Qasmi 17 November, 2016. Welcoming the guests, H.E. Syed literary and cultural events so that Sahib. In this regard, a Literary Evening Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Com- the true image of Pakistan could be Similar commemorative events was jointly organized by the High missioner to the UK termed Ah- showed to the world.” were held at all the four Consulates Commission and Markaz mad Nadeem Qasmi a great figure Renowned broadcaster and writ- of Pakistan at Birmingham, Brad- London. The Evening featured in the contemporary Urdu litera- er Raza Ali Abidi and a local poet ford, Glasgow and Manchester. Unity in Variety Art Exhibition

Unity in Variety VI Art Exhibi- oration with Gabriel Fine Arts and artists from Pakistan in London is Pakistan. The exhibition featured tion was held at Gabriel Fine Arts World Congress of Overseas Paki- a great effort to promote the rich eight contemporary Islamic and gallery in London on 18 November stanis (WCOP). In his inaugural cultural heritage and vibrant art of Pakistani artists including Bin 2016. The exhibition was put to- remarks, H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, the Pakistan. He also appreciated the Qulander, Sadaf Farasat and Sid- gether by Barikee--Islamic and Pa- High Commissioner said that exhi- efforts of the organizers of exhibi- diqa Juma alongside artists from kistani Fine Art Gallery--in collab- bition of the work of contemporary tion for promoting artistic side of several other countries. Pakistani fashion designers showcase their work in London

The Pakistani fashion designers Ambassador Tehmina Janjua, the showcase their work at Pakistan Permanent Representative of Pakistan Fashion Week (PFW), in London on to the UN, Geneva, also spoke on the 27 November 2016. A large number of occasion. She praised the talent of Pa- fashion enthusiasts attended the exhi- kistan in various fields and urged the bition as well as catwalk and appreci- diaspora to project the positive side ated the creativity of the designers. of Pakistan abroad. PFW10 London H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High presented the latest collections from Commissioner to the UK appreciated 36 of Pakistan’s leading and emerging the hard work and passion of both the fashion designers. It was a fusion of experienced and the budding design- design that presented Pakistani fash- ers. He said Pakistan is full of talented ion’s stunning heritage and flair in a people and it is encouraging to see western context. that they are making their mark in the world. Activities at Pakistan Consulates “Our Youth Our Hope”

Pakistan Consulate, Birmingham Seven British-Pakistani self-made, portant role of British-Pakistani com- the key to sucess is hard work, integrity organized a youth event entitled “Our high achievers from different walks of munity in the UK and emphasized the and continuous endeavour in pursuit of Youth Our Hope” on 19 November 2016. life shared their sucuess stories with the need for it to further augment its contri- higher social, economic and political A large number of British-Pakistani wider audiences. bution to the British society in all fields. status in the UK. youth participated in the event. Consul Maroof underlined the im- All seven role models empathised that

Literary activities at Consulate General of Pakistan Manchester

A series of literary events was dle the love for good contemporary organised by the Consulate Gen- and classic literature in Urdu. This, eral of Pakistan, Manchester in turn, will help provide a healthy throughout the month of Novem- activity for British Pakistani youth.” ber. The first event of the literary Similarly, the Consulate Gen- series ‘Iqtebas’ was presented at eral of Pakistan Manchester com- the Manchester University and was memorated the centenary of the attended by eminent enthusiasts of great Urdu poet and writer Ahmad the Urdu language. Nadeem Qasmi. Guests praised Commenting on the huge suc- and presented the excerpts from cess of the event, Sheraz Ali, Urdu the poetry and literary work of the lecturer at the University of Man- poet. chester and Urdu teacher at Leven- The Consul General of Pakistan, shulme High School said “it is our Manchester Mr. Zahoor Ahmed as Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi are our message of peace, love and broth- hope that we will be able to rekin- highlighted the fact that poets such national assets who have spread the erhood. As the winter holiday season is sea and a bustling international Port Trust, Frere Hall, Hindu Gym- theatre scene with the Mohatta Pal- upon us, many will be heading to business and fashion scene but khana and Empress Market. For ace Museum and National Acade- Pakistan and the two cities most has lush fertile land and re- history going back further, UNES- my of Performing Arts in Karachi likely to feature as a destination gards itself as the country’s cultural CO sites are also within easy reach and the Alhamra Arts Centre and are Karachi and Lahore. Like other heart. Lahoris will also proudly of the city. And yet also within easy Cultural Complex in Lahore. Not great cities of the world such as claim to be the gastronomic heart reach are miles of stunning coast- only are there regular performanc- Barcelona and Madrid, and Sydney of the country but Karachi will line so one can escape the hustle es and exhibitions throughout the and Melbourne, these two cities claim the better top end restaurants and bustle. Lahore’s Mughal his- year, but there is also an ongoing enjoy a friendly rivalry in compet- as well as the Port Grand complex tory is in a class of it’s own; a walk commitment to support artist wel- ing to be the better place to live and that is often referred to as the larg- around the old city is an experience fare and be part of the community. visit. Ultimately the winner is the est food street of Asia. As of this never to forget as you encounter The rivalry between these two visitor who is more than happy to year they now also have their own majestic forts, exquisite mosques great cities will continue so the sample each city’s offerings. T20 rivals in the Lahore Qalandars and mystical mausoleums to be only way to decide which one you Lahoris will tease Karachites and the Karachi Kings. awed by. In fact, the city boasts prefer is to visit both. about the lack of history and mon- In truth they are both unique one UNESCO site and four on the uments, they will be countered by and it’s these differences that tentative list so even a few days is the lack of decent shopping malls, should be enjoyed and celebrated. not enough. cinema multiplexes and not being Karachi has a rich colonial history And yet both cities also have a as cosmopolitan. Karachi has the with fine examples like The Karachi thriving modern arts, music and