Independence Day Celebrated at the High Commission
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Independence Day celebrated at the High Commission the ceremony. Special prayers were offered for the Shuhada of the Quetta attack and for the people of Indian Occupied Kash- mir (IOK), who are suffering the worst atrocities and oppression at the hands of the Indian government. In his address, H.E.Syed Ibne Abbas, the High Commissioner paid glowing tribute to the untiring struggle of Quaid- e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal and other heroes of the Pakistan Movement. Giving an overview of the positive economic, social and political devel- The High Commissioner unveils the commemorative logo for 70th opments in Pakistan, the High Com- Independence Anniversary of Pakistan in the UK missioner said: “Pakistan’s economy is laid their lives in fight against extremism Shakir Khan to be used to mark the up- showing steady growth. Recently, Paki- and terrorism. Today, from Khyber to coming 70th Independence Anniversary stan joined the league of the Emerging Karachi, there is improved peace and of Pakistan in the UK. To mark the 70th Independence Day Markets. The China- Pakistan Economic stability.” Guests were served with brunch of of Pakistan, a Flag Hoisting ceremony Corridor (CPEC), is a game changer for The High Commissioner shared traditional Pakistani cuisine, whereas was held at the Pakistan High com- Pakistan as well as for the entire region. elaborate plans envisioned by the High live patriotic songs, sung by local artists, mission, London on the morning of “There is political stability and the Commission for the 70th Independ- added to the colour of festivity. Similar 14 August 2016. security environment of Pakistan has ence Anniversary of Pakistan to fur- Independence Day events were held at A large number of the Pakistani com- significantly improved as a result of Op- ther enhance the participation of British all the four Consulates of Pakistan in munity in the UK attended the ceremo- eration Zarb-e-Azb under the National Pakistanis in the socio-economic and Birmingham, Bradford, Glasgow and ny, showing their love and respect for Action Plan (NAP), led by Prime Min- political landscape of the UK. Manchester. their motherland. Besides, many British ister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. We pay On this occasion, the High Commis- friends of Pakistan and representatives tributes to our martyrs from the civilians sioner unveiled the commemorative of the British government witnessed and the security forces personnel who logo, prepared by a Pakistani student “Azadi Cultural Evening” captivates the audience at the High Commission The Pakistani community in the UK din Qawwals & brothers from Pakistan. to the UK said that the “Azadi Cultural goes back to 13th century. They are the was treated to a memorable “Azadi Cul- Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Federal Minister Evening” is a continuum of the cultural true face of Pakistan and ambassadors tural Evening” organized by the Paki- for Railways was the chief guest, who events frequently organized by the High of love, peace and harmony.” stan High Commission London on 23 attended the evening together with his Commission. In packed to the capacity Chancery August, 2016. spouse Mrs Ghazala Rafiq. He said: “We are happy to have Hall, the devotional Qawaali music en- The evening featured Qawwali perfor- Welcoming the guests, H.E. Syed Ibne amongst us famous Najmuddin Sai- thralled the audience for two hours. mance by renowned Najmuddin Saifud- Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner fuddin brothers whose ancient lineage Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Railways Minister visits the High Commission Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Federal Minister the short span of three years. According 2016; I.T. and E-Commerce have been H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas informed the for Railways, visited the Pakistan High to the Minister this improvement be- introduced; E-Ticketing will start next Minister about the growing interest of Commission London on 17th August, came possible as a result of transparency, month; Railways land has been retrieved British companies wanting to invest in 2016. dedication and accountability within through targeted operations; and land Pakistan Railways system. The Minis- The Minister had an interactive ses- the Ministry. record has also been computerised. ter welcomed the interest of the British sion with the officers of the High Com- Giving an overview of the improve- Similarly, the standard of the passenger companies and apprised that these com- mission and gave an overview of the ments made in the Railways, the Minis- coaches and the food has improved great panies could invest in Pakistan Railways performance of his Ministry. ter said that the earnings of entity have deal, the Minister added. The Minister on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT), The Minister stated that the Pakistan significantly increased from Rs. 18.06 informed that in future the locomotives basis. Railways witnessed a turnaround within billion in 2012-13 to Rs. 36 billion in will be assembled in Pakistan. High Commissioner meets Pakistani community in Birmingham H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High the ongoing atrocities committed by the resolve outstanding issues, including diaspora in the UK. He noted that after Commissioner to the UK visited the Indian security forces in the Indian Oc- the core issue of Kashmir. Similarly, he Brexit, the UK is reaching out to various Consulate of Pakistan, Birmingham on cupied Kashmir (IOK), and urged the underlined the importance of effective countries in order to diversify its econo- 5th August 2016 and met with the Pa- international community to take notice border management between Pakistan my which offers good opportunities for kistani community members including of the human rights violations of the and Afghanistan. The High Commis- Pakistani businesses. Mayors, Councillors, business persons people of IOK. sioner also mentioned Pakistan’s stance Members of the community appreci- and many more. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment on return of over three million Afghan ated the efforts of the High Commission The High Commissioner presented to provide political, moral and diplo- refugees to their own country in view and its Consulates for improved consu- an overview of the state of economy, matic support to the people of Kashmir of the improved security environment lar services and acquiring the new build- energy situation and security environ- for their rightful cause of self-determi- there. ing for the Birmingham Consulate last ment of the country and apprised the nation. On Pakistan-UK bilateral relations, year which has provided great comfort audience of Government of Pakistan’s Speaking on the regional situation, the High Commissioner said that the to the visitors. efforts to address these challenges. the High Commissioner emphasized two countries have excellent ties which The High Commissioner condemned meaningful dialogue with India to are further cemented by strong Pakistani Pakistani Students participate in LIYSF Annually, 500 students aged between project that they had presented at the 17-21 years old attend London Interna- conference and came second amongst tional Youth Scientific Forum (LIYSF) overall at the Cultural Show. from over 75 countries worldwide. This The High Commissioner appreciated year seven Pakistani students from dif- their achievement and hoped that Paki- ferent Pakistani universities participated stan would benefit from their knowledge in the two-week programme, and vis- and expertise in various fields in future. ited prestigious academic and science The High Commissioner also assured of institutions. all possible support to the Pakistan Sci- The aim of the programme was to give entific Foundation (PSF), in enhancing a deeper insight to the students into how the number of students so that more science benefits mankind. This year, the brilliant students can participate and theme was “Great Scientific Discover- benefit from this opportunity. ies” and this enabled the participants The students led by Syeda Rehana Ba- to develop a better understanding of tool, Senior Scientific Officer, Pakistan science and its applications. The Paki- Scientific Foundation (PSF), also visited stani students received a great deal of ap- the High Commission. preciation and encouragement for their Supporting Pakistan Team at Edgbaston Cricket Stadium Birmingham High Commissioner felicitates Pakistan Cricket Team on victory Pakistan Cricket team topped the MRF Tyres ICC Test Team rankings for the first time at the Queen Park Oval on 17 August, 2016. The High Commissioner conveyed his congratulations to Captain Misbah ul Haq, his entire team and PCB man- agement on this historic occasion. He said: “The team deserves our apprecia- tion. Their victory has doubled the joys of the Independence Day for the entire nation, particularly, the British Paki- stanis, majority of whom followed the matches with keen interest.” The High Commissioner hopes that the team will continue playing great class cricket so that it can make Paki- stan proud. Pakistan Army Cadet graduates at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst their final term in front of dignitar- ies and the Sovereign’s representa- tive, Deputy Supreme Allied Com- mander Europe General Bradshaw. H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK to- gether with his spouse was invited to the event. He commended both the officers for flying the Pakistani flag high and cementing the insti- tutional relations between the two countries. Officer Cadet Ammad Aheer graduated after having completed his one year training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst on 12 August, 2016. The day not only marked another glorious addition in Pakistan, UK’s relations, but it was also a proud moment for Am- mad and his family. The day was made even more special when Major Uqbah Ha- deed Malik, the first ever Pakistani Officer to be training at the British Armed Forces feeder institution witnessed his cadets march into British Pakistani students visit the High Commission A 23-member group of British Paki- stani students studying at various uni- versities across the UK visited the High Commission on 19 August, 2016.