Syed Ibne Abbas

Pakistan Day celebrated with traditional zeal at the High Commission

Pakistan poised to become a regional economic powerhouse: Syed Ibne Abbas

The 78th Pakistan Day was marked with flag hoisting ceremony at the Pa- Next elections to further cement democracy in Pakistan: kistan High Commission London on 23 March 2018. H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Minister Mark Field Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, hoisted the national flag and paid rich tributes to the founding father of Pakistan the Quaid-i-Azam and other heroes of freedom struggle. The highlight of the ceremony was the musical performance by local singers and the traditional Pakistani brunch served to the guests. The morning ceremony was fol- lowed by a Pakistan Day Reception in the evening. Rt Hon Mark Field, FCO Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan were the Chief Guests on the occasion. Lord Tariq Ahmed, FCO Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the UN, and MP Rehman Chishti, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for Pakistan also attended the event. Be- sides, Lords, MPs, MEPs, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Diplomats, Defence Attaches, Senior Civil and Military Rep- resentatives, Mayors, Councillors, members of the British society and Pakistani diaspora were among the attendees. In his welcome remarks, H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commis- sioner to the UK said: “Quaid-i-Azam’s vision of a democratic and pluralistic State remains the guiding principle of today’s Pakistan. Today’s democratic Pakistan, with a robust economy, fast growing middle class, vibrant civil society and improved security situation, is poised to become a regional economic powerhouse. Chi- na-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) provides further impetus to our prom- ising economic turnaround.” The High Commissioner also ac- knowledged the valuable contributions made by over 1.2 million strong British Pakistani diaspora in strengthening Pa- kistan-UK relations. last June. It’s a record I know will sure- said: Kashmiri brothers and sisters who con- In his speech, Minister Mark Field ly be surpassed once more at the next “We are trying to strengthen the in- tinue to suffer under occupation of In- said: “Today is a tremendous opportu- general election. Now as Pakistan holds stitution of Parliament. During the past dian forces. International community nity to celebrate the extraordinary and its own general elections this year, I be- 5 years, the Parliament has taken crucial must come forward to take notice of evolving ties between our two countries. lieve this is an opportunity to cement its steps and enacted 131 bills, which is the human rights violations in Indian Oc- Ties that I think are stronger today than democracy as one of the fundamental highest number since 1985.” cupied Kashmir (IOK).” they have ever been before. building blocks of modern and pros- On Kashmir, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq ex- The Pakistan Day Reception is the “A record 12 members of Parliament perous society.” pressed: biggest annual event of the calendar of of Pakistani origin took our best seats In his remarks, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq “On this day, we cannot forget our the High Commission. Joint Op-Ed on meeting between Chief Minister of Punjab and British Home Secretary

Pakistan and the United Kingdom portunities for women. In the UK, the have a shared history and as we move full-time gender pay gap is the lowest it forward together, shared global and re- has ever been, while in Pakistan we have gional challenges. worked together to provide more than It is striking and symbolic of our 35,000 women the ability to register as friendship that two per cent of the voters in Punjab. British population can trace back their Last year, we celebrated 70 years of roots to Pakistan with 1.2 million British diplomatic relations and reaffirmed our Pakistanis helping to connect our two ambition to build prosperity for both countries, culturally and commercially, our nations through trade policies thousands of miles apart. and business links. We celebrated the And it was in this spirit of friendship strength and depth of this relationship that we met last week to discuss a num- and announced jointly that the UK‘s ex- ber of issues of mutual interest. This in- port credit agency, UK Export Finance cluded our co-operation on internation- (UKEF), would double its support al- al security, and our joint initiatives on lowing Pakistan’s buyers to access fi- education, health and gender equality. memorandum of understanding which This co-operation is contributing to, nance to source high-quality UK goods Together, we reaffirmed the impor- confirmed our co-operation across Pa- and will help sustain, the marked in- and services. tance of our relationship and working kistan’s provinces, including Punjab, on crease in security the Punjab region has All of these issues are undoubtedly with the international community to counter issues such as terrorism, migra- achieved in the past few years. interlinked. And we are clear that eco- reduce the shared threat from internation and serious and organised crime. Our work together on education pro- nomic security, development initiatives tional terrorism. The horrendous at- And by working together, the UK in grammes will help to further support and physical security go hand-in-hand. tack in Lahore earlier this month, which October 2015 commenced a five year these aims. The work between the De- The challenges we face are significant claimed the lives of nine innocent people counter explosives training programme partment for International Development but our meeting this week demonstrated and injured many more and the 2017 which has helped to train and equip and Punjab Education Support pro- that our shared history is a shared future UK terror attacks are stark reminders of military and civilian law enforcement gramme has helped to improve student and our friendship will endure. why we need a joint approach in tack- professionals in Pakistan to carry out attendence from 79 per cent in 2011 to Chief Minister of Punjab, Muham- ling those who wish to do our countries searches and safely dispose of impro- 95 per cent in March 2017, the equiva- mad Shahbaz Sharif harm. vised explosive devices. This is in ad- lent to more than 1 million additional Home Secretary, Rt Hon Amber Rudd Last year, the UK Government and dition to the 112 anti-terrorism prose- students in school.We also discussed MP the Government of Pakistan signed a cutors together we have helped to train. the important issue of rights and op-

Cultural show at the High Commission

Artistic creations of Pakistani artists were put on display at the High Com- mission on 8 March 2018. Renowned designers from Pakistan showcased the specimens of their work to a packed to capacity venue comprising spouses of High Commissioners, Ambassadors, diplomats and leading ladies from the diaspora. Naila Noornai, Jewellery Designer and Rana Noman bridal-wear designer put on display their creative work. More than one hundred guests evinced keen interest in the exquisite cultural heritage of Pakistan. Begum High Commissioner, Mrs Sadaf Abbas organised the event in the run up to the Pakistan Day as well as the International Women’s Day. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Sadaf Abbas said: “On the occasion of the Women’s Day, I am happy to say that since our independence 70 years ago – women in Pakistan have come a long way. Wom- en empowerment in Pakistan was pio- neered by leading lights like Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah and Begum Raana Liaqat Ali Khan and the journey continues.” She added: “Today, we have tried to give you a glimpse of rich Pakistani culture by showcasing exquisite bridal-wear and hand crafted traditional jewellery.” Famous violist Sara Sirhandi played melodious viola tunes which added col- our to the festive ambience of the show. The guests were served with Pakistani high tea. Award for Pakistani academic Prof. Khanzadi Khattak

Award winning female academic Pro- He commended her dedication and fessor Khanzadi Fatima Khattak called commitment to academic excellence, on H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High particularly her focus on empowering Commissioner to the UK on 22 March women through education. 2018. Professor Khanzadi informed the Pakistan-based first female Prof. High Commissioner about her research Khanzadi Fatima Khattak, the Vice work and ongoing projects. She also Chancellor of Women University Swabi, briefed him on the future collaborations recently received the prestigious Royal with the UK universities. Society of Chemistry Fellowship (FRSC) During her visit, an MoU was signed award at a ceremony held at the Roy- between Women University Swabi and al Society of Chemistry Headquarters University of Cardiff, UK. Under this Burlington House in London. The Pres- MoU, the two institutions will collabo- ident of the Royal Society of Chemistry, rate in research projects, study abroad Sir John Holman presented the Award. programmes, summer schools, students, The High Commissioner felicitated faculty and staff academic visits and Professor Khanzadi on the singular hon- training programmes. our of receiving FRSC, which he termed a well-deserved recognition of her work by a prestigious research institution.

Year of Youth Engagement

High Commissioner hosts young British-Pakistanis to a lunch at the British Parliament

H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Amongst others, the lunch was at- Commissioner to the UK hosted a group tended by Lord Nazir Ahmed and of British Pakistani youth from North Khalid Mehhmood MP. and Midlands to a lunch at the British For the Pakistan High Commission, Parliament on 27 March 2018. A de- London, 2018 is the year of youth en- tailed exchange of views took place on gagement. Several events will be organ- encouraging a more proactive role of ised by the High Commission around youth in the British society through fo- this theme to connect with the youth cus on education and enhanced political and initiate a dialogue on issues impor- and socio-economic participation. In tant to them. view of their concerns on the situation in Kashmir, the High Commissioner gave them an update on human rights violations in the Indian Occupied Kash- mir and Pakistan’s efforts to highlight the issue on various forums.

Pakistan’s flag flown over London’s Pakistan’s flag flown over Commonwealth Westminster Abbey Secretariat Marlborough House

Pakistan Day Special Memorial Service was held at the Westminster Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House: Pakistani flag is flying Abbey on 19 March 2018. Pakistani flag flying on top of the on National Day of Pakistan on 2 March 2018. north tower of the Abbey. PPC team interacts with students at the High Commission

The PPC is a research and communication project of the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage, Islamabad. It runs various communication campaigns to promote safer charity practices and to build resilience of the Pakistani people against violent extremism.

The Pakistan Peace Collective (PPC) and Literary Heritage, Islamabad. It runs campaigns. rorism. team headed by its Chief Executive Of- various communication campaigns to The students were briefed on com- Besides, the PPC team held interac- ficer (CEO) Mr Shabbir Anwer interact- promote safer charity practices and to munication campaigns planned of the tions with the diaspora, students, Brit- ed with a group of 24 British Pakistani build resilience of the Pakistani people Government to promote safer charity ish government departments and think students from 11 British academic against violent extremism. practices and to build the confidence tanks. institutions at the High Commission The High Commission arranged this of the nation in face of extremism and on 20th March 2018. meeting to apprise the British Pakistani terrorism. During the Q&A session, the The PPC is a research and communi- students about the efforts of Pakistan students asked searching questions and cation project of the Ministry of Infor- to address the issue of violent extrem- gave valuable input to build national mation, Broadcasting, National History ism through various communication narrative against extremism and ter-

Regent’s University London and OK! Pakistan launch fashion journalism scholarship

Regent’s University London and OK! Pakistan magazine have launched an exclusive new fashion journalism scholarship that will give one student an industry internship with the leading glossy monthly magazine, as well as £4,000 towards the cost of their programme.

Regent’s University London and OK! magazine’s staff. Pakistan magazine have launched an The OK! Pakistan Fashion Journalism exclusive new fashion journalism schol- Scholarship is open to Pakistani students arship that will give one student an in- who hold a Pakistani passport and who dustry internship with the leading glossy have been accepted into Regent’s Uni- monthly magazine, as well as £4,000 versity London’s MA Fashion Journal- towards the cost of their programme. ism programme. Eligible Pakistani students applying to the MA Fashion Journalism are encouraged to apply for the postgraduate scholarship, which includes the opportunity to take a leading role in covering Pakistani fashion events in London for the magazine, as well as a one month internship with OK! Pakistan at their Karachi office during the summer, with mentoring from a senior member of the Pakistan Day celebrated at Pakistan Consulates

BRI and CPEC discussed at Manchester Conference

Manchester Chinese Business Society no-Pakistan cooperation was also came resources. Chinese and Pakistani stakeholders. The (MCBS) hosted their annual conference under discussion. The launch of the Belt and Road In- Consul General of Pakistan, Mr. Aamar on 17 March 2018, at The University of The conference aimed to provide a itiative (BRI) and the establishment of Aftab Qureshi was a keynote speaker Manchester, UK. The Theme was Bridg- place for young scholars and entrepre- China-Pakistan Economic Corridor at the opening session “Sino-Pakistan ing the East and West: Next Generation neurs interested in the future of the Chi- (CPEC) were discussed in detail. It was Cooperation and CPEC”. Leaders’ Prospects of the Belt and Road nese market as well as the BRI to present noted that BRI and CPEC offer count- Initiative (BRI) in the wake of Brexit. Si- their research findings and explore other less socio-economic advantages to the Next Councillors Convention in Manchester on 23 June 2018

The High Commission for Pakistan The speakers will be a mix of MPs/ in London will organise the 4thCoun- MEPs, Councillors/Mayors, communi- cillors Convention in Manchester on ty leaders and academics. Councillors/ 23 June 2018. Mayors of the region are encouraged to H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan attend the event and make their voices High Commissioner to the UK had an- heard on important issues to be dis- nounced about Manchester Convention cussed there. during his address at the 3rd Council- the High Commission has decided to and to encourage integration of British The Consulate General of Pakistan lors Convention held in London on 24 hold more conventions in various cities Pakistani diaspora in mainstream Brit- in Manchester will be focal point for February 2018. of the UK. ish society. The Convention would also this event. Encouraged by the success and posi- The purpose of this initiative is to provide an opportunity to celebrate the tive feedback from the community after connect with the Pakistani commu- successes of British Pakistanis in various the first three Councillors Conventions, nity through their elected leadership walks of life. Resumption of Pakistan Origin Cards (POCs) issuance

The Government of Pakistan has re- POC holders can have their cards those foreign nationals who have been only be made online at following we- sumed the issuance of Pakistan Origin renewed as per past practice and pre- married to their Pakistan spouses for a blink: - Cards (POCs) to foreign spouses of Pa- vious conditions. Fresh applications for period of five years. http://id.nadra.gov.pk/pakistan-or- kistan nationals. POC issuance will only be processed for Applications for POC issuance can igin-card/ It is the middle of May and as one The origins of the Kalash fascinate approaches the village of Balanguru, the anthropologists as they have no writ- sound of the chanting and rhythmical- ten language and their culture is passed ly beating drum becomes louder and down by word. They claim legendary louder. This is a village in celebration. ancestry as descendants of Alexander But this is no ordinary celebration the Great’s armies. A claim very easy for this is Joshi - the Spring Festival of to appreciate given the many sandy the Kalash. It is the biggest of the year coloured hair and blue-eyed locals one and held in the three Kalash Valleys of encounters. However, this claim is not Rumbur, Bumboret and Brir. backed up by archaeologists as evidence The Kalash are the only indigenous is yet to be found to support that theory. people in Pakistan and number only The Kalash themselves don’t seem about 3000 in three remote valleys near overly concerned about this as they link Chitral, KP. arms and continue to dance late into At the various ceremonies, there is the night. much dancing and chanting to a beat The Spring Festival lasts for four days of the drum. The women are instantly and will take place this year from the recogniseable as they wear their tra- 14th -16th May. Daily flights run to ditional black robes and are adorned Chitral from Islamabad. with coloured beads and ornate cowrie shelled headdresses. The festival honours the fairies but also safeguards the goats and shepherds before they go to the pastures. It is a time for rejoicing for the many months ahead.