Prime Minister Shahid attends CHOGM 2018

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abba- si attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2018) in London from April 18-20, 2018. During his stay in London, the Prime Minister attended the Reception hosted by HM Queen Elizabeth II; called on HRH the Prince of Wales and met Prime Minister Theresa May. He also inter- acted with Australian Prime Minister Mr Malcolm Turnbull and President of Republic of Kenya, Mr Uhuru Kenyatta. The Prime Minister actively partici- pated in executive and retreat sessions as well as a number of events held on the sidelines of the CHOGM, where he Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Ab- Speaking on the theme of sustainable spoke on a range of themes. basi underscored ’s unmatched future, the Prime Minister reaffirmed The Prime Minister articulated Paki- sacrifices and unparalleled achieve- Pakistan’s commitment to pursuing the stan’s vision, efforts and achievements ments in the fight against terrorism. He 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Develop- in the fields of economy, security and stressed that defeating this contempo- ment, highlighting several national steps sustainable development, while sharing rary menace required collaboration. He in this context. his thoughts on the Summit themes of a also cautioned against indulgence in The Prime Minister also held dis- more prosperous, secure and sustainable blame games and politicization for do- cussions with Peek Vision and CBM future. The Prime Minister highlighted mestic electoral gains, noting that such in London and highlighted Pakistan’s the significance of connectivity in the steps were not conducive to addressing efforts to eliminate preventable blind- context of enhancing trade and invest- this scourge. ness from the country. ment, describing CPEC as a model for The Prime Minister also underlined Besides, a delegation of Royal Dutch prosperity nationally and regionally. the imperative need of ensuring jus- Shell led by Mr. Ben Van Beurden, Chief While sharing concerns over the ris- tice for the people of occupied lands, Executive Officer, Royal Dutch Shell ing global trends of protectionism, the who continued to be subjected to state also called on Prime Minister Shahid Prime Minister called for an equitable, sponsored oppression. He emphasized Khaqan Abbasi and discussed further effective and inclusive multilateral trad- that the shared goal of shaping peaceful investment interest in Pakistan. ing system and advocated the need for societies would remain elusive without The main theme of CHOGM-2018 pathways to greater regular migration guaranteeing fundamental freedoms was “Towards A Common Future.” and mobility. and resolving disputes. High Commissioner visits Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

H.E. visited Greater among them through their web/social GBCC for hosting the reception. He en- months to apprise the business commu- Birmingham Chambers of Commerce media channels. dorsed the view of Mr. Nasir Awan and nity about trade & investment opportu- (GBCC) on Saturday, 27th April, 2018. Mr. Nasir Awan, President Asian Mr. Steve Brittan, who had been doing nities in Pakistan; He was greeted by Mr. Paul Faulkner, Business Chamber of Commerce business in Pakistan for the last many • The Consulate will share data with CEO GBCC along with other office (ABCC) said that ABCC is already years that the word about improved in- the GBCC on monthly basis to be dis- bearers of the Chamber. working to promote the institutional vestment and trade opportunities was seminated to GBCC digital e-mail data During the meeting, Mr. Paul linkages between district Chambers of not getting out to the local businesses base of over 16000 business enteritis; Faulkner briefed the High Commission Commerce in Pakistan and the GBCC. in the UK. He highlighted the potential and on the role of GBCC and the opportu- He underlined the fact that the true of China Pakistan Economic Corridor • In the prelude to the Commonwealth nities available for promotion of trade word about the potential of Pakistani (CPEC) and Pakistan’s economy which games 2022, the Consulate together with and investment especially in post Brexit businesses and the improved security was registering a growth rate 5.5%. the GBCC will organize events involving scenario. He further added that GBCC situation is not getting out which is not The following were agreed in the Sialkot and other Pakistan Chambers. has huge following among the business encouraging the local businesses to go meeting: community and the available opportu- to Pakistan. • GBCC would host a “Pakistan Day nities in Pakistan can be disseminated The High Commissioner thanked the in the Chamber building within next 3 Interior Minister participates in Panel Discussion on Countering Violent Extremism

Federal Minister for Interior Mr. the world, including unresolved inter- Plan (NAP) and the practical steps taken Ahsan Iqbal addressed a Panel Discus- national disputes, negative and stereo- by the Government to counter terrorist/ sion on Countering Violent Extremism typing media campaigns against com- violent extremist elements. (CVE) at the Foreign & Commonwealth munities, religions and nations. At the end, he reiterated that Paki- Office in London, UK, on the side-lines He pointed out it was the prejudice stan had already geared up for a grand of the Commonwealth Heads of Gov- and a sense of injustice and hopelessness strategy for preventing and countering ernment Meeting (CHOGM) 2018. that, coupled with lack of engagement violent extremism to defeat forces of ha- While affirming Pakistan’s support for & understanding and lack of peaceful tred and violence. The founder of nation, the cause, Minister Iqbal observed that alternatives, were driving impressiona- Mr Jinnah gave us a clear vision for an at a time when global challenges like ble individuals into the folds of violent inclusive and harmonious society. We climate change, terrorism & extrem- extremism & terrorism. Extremism and want to give our next generation peace ism, and inequalities were staring us in terrorism can never be defeated unless and stability for economic development. the face in an ever-connected world, there is an understanding of why and Pakistan would be happy to share its global politics had become fractured how it spreads, he stressed. experiences of success as well as learn and dysfunctional, and that there was a Briefing the participants about Paki- from others. need for collaborative and accommoda- stan’s journey from being the victim of The Interior Minister also met Sir Ci- tive efforts, rather than finger pointing. terror & extremism to a victor over these aran Devane, Chief Executive British He stressed that any effective policy to menaces, Minister Iqbal highlighted the Council and discussed British Council’s counter violent extremism would re- commitment and sacrifices of Pakistani project in Pakistan. quire a comprehensive approach based nation in fight against terrorism. on an objective and considerate under- Speaking of measures undertaken standing of both internal and external by Pakistan, Minister Iqbal briefed the root causes of the rising extremism in participants about the National Action

Qasim Farasat from Pakistan elected as Asia Regional Representative of Commonwealth Youth Council

A young Pakistani Qasim Farasat has erment of youth. been elected as Asia Regional Represent- H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High ative of Commonwealth Youth Council Commissioner to the UK felicitated Qa- (CYC). The election took place during sim on this unique honour. He termed the CHOGM 2018 in London. him a role model for the youth and Qasim represented young people of wished him well in his future endeav- Pakistan at the 11th Commonwealth ours. Youth Forum of the CHOGM 2018. He is the first ever Pakistani who received this singular honour. Qasim is an active young leader working for the empow- Commerce Minister Pervaiz Malik meets British Minister Greg Hands

Mohammed Pervaiz Malik, Federal Textile Event under Commonwealth Commerce Minister, during his visit to Business Forum where he highlighted London in April, met Mr. Greg Hands, the success which Pakistan is making Minister of State for Trade Policy and on the economic front and the mega Mr. Rehman Chishti, Trade Envoy for change which the realization of CPEC Pakistan. He was accompanied by Pa- is bringing about in the infrastructure kistan’s High Commissioner H.E. Syed and energy landscape of Pakistan. Ibne Abbas. Commerce Minister also met with During the meeting, Commerce Min- Prince Andrew, Duke of York at St. ister called for a closer trade relation James Palace on the eve of Pitch@Palace between the two countries post Brexit. Commonwealth event. On this occasion, Mr. Hands assured Pakistan’s Commerce both the leaders acknowledged close Minister that post Brexit, Pakistan would relations between the two countries and get more generous market access in the agreed to cement them further. UK as compared to the access which it It is important to note that Com- currently enjoys under GSP Plus regime. monwealth countries represents about He also assured to work with Pakistan one third of global population having a to promote it as a safe destination for combined GDP of US$ 10 Trillion which British Investment. Commerce Minister offers immense opportunities in Trade also invited him to visit Pakistan which and Investment which Pakistan is keen Mr. Hands agreed in principle. to exploit in order to boost its exports Apart from this meeting, Commerce and create employment opportunities. Minister attended “Asia Leaders Round- table Conference” and “Fashion and Dr Robina Shah becomes the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester

for jurisdiction, district or County - a thousand years ago, the High Sheriffs have come from many different profes- sions, trades and ethnic and religious backgrounds. “Dr Shah’s Instalment is an important continuation of this tradition, as the re- gion’s first Muslim woman. “I am sure she will make a brilliant contribution to the role and am looking forward to her tenure. I have no doubt that when the High Sheriff steps down at this time next year, her impact will have been felt widely.” Dr. Shah – A Chartered Consultant Dr Robina Shah has become the High the new High Sheriff – first-ever female On this occasion Dr Shah said:“I am Psychologist has extensive public service Sheriff of Greater Manchester. H.E. Syed Muslim to hold this august Office. In- truly honoured and humbled to be ap- record which spans over 25 years. She Ibne Abbas, the High Commissioner deed, it is a singular honour that Her pointed by Her Majesty the Queen to is a senior Lecturer and Director of the attended her installation ceremony that Majesty has chosen Dr. Shah, a British take the role of High Sheriff. Double-day Centre for Patient Experi- took place in the Whitworth Hall of the Pakistani for this exalted position. The “It is a huge privilege to be the cus- ence in the Division of Medical Edu- University of Manchester on 12 April British–Pakistani diaspora and people todian of this historic public service cation at the University of Manchester. 2018.. of Pakistan are truly honoured and de- role and I promise to serve the people She is a Founder Governor, a member In his note of thanks on the occa- lighted on this appointment.” of Greater Manchester with dignity, of the University’s General Assembly. sion, the High Commissioner said: “It He added: “People like Dr Shah are humility and sincerity throughout my Like many other British , is an honour and privilege to witness the role models and true Ambassadors year of office.” Dr. Shah is acknowledged today for her the installation ceremony of the High of the cultural ethos which they rep- David Cam, Under Sheriff of Greater valuable contribution to the multicul- Sheriff of Greater Manchester – Dr. Ro- resent and are quite an inspiration for Manchester, who oversaw the ceremony, tural mosaic of the British society. bina Shah. On behalf of the Government the young people. I am confident that said: and the people of Pakistan, I extend our she would continue to make us proud “Since Greater Manchester was estab- heartiest felicitations and best wishes to in future as well.” lished as a bailiwick - the traditional title

LCCI delegation calls on the High Commissioner

A twelve-member delegation of La- missioner assured the delegation to hore Chamber of Commerce and In- take up the issue at the highest level dustry (LCCI) headed by Mr. Khamis so that the business community could Saeed visited the High Commission on move freely between two countries. The 9 April 2018. visiting delegation thanked the High H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, the High Com- Commissioner for Mission’s consist- missioner welcomed the delegation and ent support. It is important to note that expressed his complete support to fa- UK is an important trading partner of cilitate their interaction with the UK Pakistan. It is, in fact, the third largest businesses. export destination of Pakistani products On raising the issue by LCCI dele- and Pakistan exports in British markets gates regarding problems in securing have witnessed consistent growth of 8% British Business Visas, the High Com- during the last two years. Indus Health Network delegation visits the High Commission

A delegation of the Indus Health treatment became the hallmark of The Network. He further offered that the are only managed by the network under Network (IHN) led by its founder Dr Indus Hospital, attracting patients from Network could hold their events at the the umbrella of public-private partner- Abdul Bari called on H.E. Syed Ibne all over Pakistan, said Dr Bari. Pakistan High Commission, London. ship. With the establishment of hospi- Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to The High Commissioner commend- The High Commissioner appreciated tals, the network soon identified that the UK on 23 April 2018. The delegation ed the philanthropic spirit of Dr Ab- Sajjad Karim MEP for his support to early detection and prevention are as was accompanied by Sajjad Karim MEP, dul Bari and his entire team. He said the IHN’s initiatives. important as provision of quality treat- who also supports the Network. health sector of Pakistan needs more It was informed that in order to ca- ment. To cater to this need, the network Dr Abdul Bari gave an introduction such networks as IHN to cater the health ter to the ever-increasing number of established family medicine clinics and of the Network to the High Commis- needs of our growing population. The patients, The Indus Hospital has been launched a large number of public health sioner stating that it was initiated in High Commissioner called upon the expanding its services by launching sec- outreach programs across 41 districts of 2007 by a team of committed healthcare medical fraternity of Pakistan work- ondary and tertiary care hospitals. In the the country. professionals, entrepreneurs and philan- ing abroad to get together on a single year 2016-17, the Indus Health Network Other members of the delegation thropists, which changed the dynamics platform and serve the country. In this emerged with 11 secondary and tertiary included Karim Paracha, Ibrahim Ja- of healthcare system in Pakistan. They regard, he assured Mission’s all possible care hospitals across Pakistan. mali, Anwar Zaidi, Mukarram Sattar, started a tertiary care hospital in the support to the delegation, including fast The delegation informed that some and Faraz Khan. urban slums of and in a very track Pakistan visas to health profes- of IHN hospitals are managed and fi- short span of time, free of cost quality sionals on the recommendation of the nanced by the network itself and some LCCI Business Delegation calls on the High Commissioner

An eight-member business delegation sion. The High Commissioner assured of the Chamber of Commerce the delegation to raise the matter with & Industry (LCCI) called on H.E. Syed the UK authorities. The idea to set up Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commis- a Display Centre for Pakistani exports sioner to the UK at the High Commis- in UK was also deliberated upon. The sion on 25 April 2018. Led by Khawaja High Commissioner suggested to the Khawar Rashid, Senior Vice President Chambers to take the lead on that pro- LCCI, the delegation represented a ject so that Pakistani exports could be diverse group of industries including introduced in the UK in an effective paper, plastic, chemicals, textile and way. Better coordination between the cosmetics. visiting business delegations and the The members of the delegation in- High Commission was also agreed upon formed the High Commissioner about so that the Pakistani business persons their week-long visit to the UK where could get more and more business deals. they visited various companies and held them result oriented. He also empha- During the meeting, detailed discus- Business to Business meetings. sized on diversification and quality as- sion on enhancing Pakistan exports to The High Commissioner emphasised surance of Pakistani products to win the the UK was held. Problems being faced on the follow up of such visits to make confidence of foreign buyers, develop by the Pakistani business persons in ob- brands and enhance Pakistan’s exports. taining UK visa also came under discus-

National Defence University delegation visits the High Commission

A group comprising faculty and changing dynamics of diplomacy in the course participants of the National present age, he updated the participants Defence University (NDU), , on the functioning and responsibilities headed by Lt Gen Majid Ehsan, HI(M), of the Mission. The briefing concluded President National Defence University, with a Q&A session. currently on their Foreign Study Tour The delegation was later hosted over of the UK, visited the Pakistan High a dinner. The visit programme of the Commission London on 23 April 2018. delegation covered a wide range of activ- Welcoming the delegation, H.E. Syed ities including briefings at the Ministry Ibne Abbas, the High Commissioner, of Defence, Royal College of Defence briefed them on socio-economic as well Studies (RCDS), Houses of Parliament, as political developments taking place in Oxford University, Foreign & Common- the UK. He also briefed the delegates on wealth Office (FCO), International In- various aspects of the Pakistan-UK bi- The High Commissioner informed the relations have become institutionalized stitute of Strategic Studies (IISS) and lateral relations as well as the post Brexit participants that under the Enhanced and more inclusive, and are on an up- Northwood Headquarters. scenario and opportunities for Pakistan. Strategic Dialogue (ESD), the bilateral ward trajectory. Speaking about the High Commissioner interacts with the Pakistani community at Pakistan Consulate Birmingham

H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High lors for highlighting the issue of grave Commissioner to the UK visited Bir- violations of human rights committed by mingham and held an interactive session the security forces in Indian Occupied with the Pakistani community on 28 Kashmir (IOK) at appropriate political April 2018. The event was attended by fora. a large number of community members The High Commissioner urged the from Cardiff, Wales, Bristol, Notting- community members especially the ham and Derby. Mr. Khalid Mahmood, women and youth to assume greater Member Parliament was also present on responsibilities in the British society in the occasion. their respective professions and busi- Welcoming the High Commission- nesses. er and the community, Consul Gen- In his comments, Mr. Khalid eral Ahmar Ismail highlighted the key Mahmood also addressed on the occa- achievements made by the Consulate in sion and appreciated the relocation of terms of community facilitation. the Consulate Building. The MP under- In his remarks, the High Commis- scored that the Pakistani and Kashmiri sioner said that it was one of his main communities in the UK may synergize priorities to set high standards of public their efforts to play a vital role in high- service delivery for the convenience of The High Commissioner highlighted The High Commissioner briefed the lighting the Kashmir issue in the Parlia- our community and he was glad that that Pakistani diaspora was serving as audience about the efforts made by the ment through their respective members the initiatives were received well by the a strong bridge between Pakistan and Government at the highest level to high- of Parliament. community. He appreciated the impor- the UK. However, there was a need for light the need of resolving the Kash- At the end, the High Commissioner tant contributions that Pakistani-British increased participation in the UK poli- mir dispute through peaceful means. responded to the comments/proposals community has made in the progress tics commensurate with the population He urged the community members to made by the community members. and prosperity of the United Kingdom. of our community, he added. approach their local MPs and Council- High Commissioner meets the community in Manchester

H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, the High Com- be part of the mainstream British soci- missioner met the Pakistani community ety. He called upon the community to at a reception dinner in Manchester on lobby with their local MPs in a unified 12 April 2018. This interaction was part way to put across Pakistan’s stance on of the High Commission’s community important international issues. outreach efforts. On this occasion, the High Com- Afzal Khan MP, Yasmin Qureshi MP, missioner condemned the ongoing Wajid Khan MEP, Sajjad Karim MEP, human rights abuses in Kashmir and High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Dr called upon the international commu- Robina Shah, Barrister Amjad Malik, nity to play its role to end the sufferings Chairman OPF Board of Governors and of the Kashmiri people. He reiterated Aamar Aftab Qureshi, Consul General Pakistan’s political, diplomatic and attended the event. Besides, a number moral support to the legitimate cause of Mayors/Councillors, professionals, of Kashmir. entrepreneurs, youth and media repre- The High Commissioner also invited sentatives were also in attendance. the British Pakistanis to take advantage Speaking on the occasion, the would be the year of youth engagement logue with your elected representatives of the business and investment opportu- High Commissioner commended the and to strengthen their ties with their on social, economic and political issues nities in Pakistan, especially in the wake achievements of the Pakistani diaspora origins. and on the ways to strengthen the ties of China Pakistan Economic Corridor in various walks of life. He, however, Giving an overview of High Commis- between UK and Pakistan through the (CPEC). laid special emphasis on education for sion’s community outreach efforts, he diaspora.” The attendees also put forward useful youth and a proactive role for women said: “We are holding our next Council- The High Commissioner urged the suggestions relating to community mat- to further add to these achievements. lors Convention in Manchester in June community to fully participate in the ters and promotion of bilateral relations The High Commissioner said that 2018 this year, which aims at having a dia- upcoming local elections in the UK and between the two countries. Officer Cadet Sheroz Shahid awarded Overseas International Medal

Officer Cadet Sheroz Shahid from missioner to the UK felicitated Cadet was awarded Overseas Officer Sheroz Shahid on his achieve- International Medal on achieving best ment. He commended him for flying results in military, academics, practical the Pakistani flag high and making the studies and physical training at the Roy- nation proud of the highest profession- al Military Academy Sandhurst, United al standards being maintained by the Kingdom on 13 April 2018. armed forces of Pakistan. The High The medal was awarded by Gen Sir Commissioner also wished the Cadet Nicholas Patrick Carter, Chief of Gener- Officer well with his career ahead. al Staff of British Army who was review- Presently five (05) cadets from Paki- ing officer on occasion of The Sovereign’s stan are undergoing training at the Royal Parade of Commissioning Course 172 at Military Academy Sandhurst along with The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. one (01) Instructor/Platoon Command- Another Officer Cadet Muhammad Bin er who is imparting military training to Baloch was also amongst the commis- the British cadets. sioning cadets. In his message on the occasion, H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Com- Government of Pakistan receives the “Commonwealth Government Award” for Women’s Economic Empowerment

Government of Pakistan received the wealth Businesswomen Awards held the Commonwealth Heads of Govern- was organized by the Commonwealth Commonwealth Government Award for on 18th April 2018, on the sidelines of ment meeting in London. The ceremony Businesswomen Network, an accredited Women’s Economic Empowerment. The organization focussed on women’s lead- Award was jointly given by the Com- ership and economic empowerment rec- monwealth Businesswomen’s Network ognized by 53 governments across five and Global Citizen to the Government continents. It brings together around of Pakistan in recognition of the work 50,000 women working to encourage, and impact in the area of women’s em- enable and embed women in leadership powerment. and women’s economic empowerment The Government of Pakistan was ac- through trade, talent and training. knowledged for securing passage of the Another award, the Commonwealth Anti-Honour Killings Bill in 2016 into Company of the Year Award was con- legislation and to be able to forge an ferred upon Engro Foods (Pakistan) in effective coalition of parliamentarians, recognition for its work towards having NGOs, civil society, academia and me- a significant impact on women’s eco- dia who all supported it in this landmark nomic empowerment in the organiza- achievement. The award was received tion and the wider community. by a representative of the High Com- The award was received by Ms. Nageen Rizvi, Head of Corporate mission on behalf of the Government Communications and Sustainability at Engro Foods (Pakistan) and Regional of Pakistan. Award was given during Leader for Asia at the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network. the ceremony of the 3rd Common- NUST girls students to participate in Int’l Formula Student competition

A group of girls students from Na- tives to increase women empowerment tional University of Sciences and Tech- but what sets it apart from other cam- nology (NUST) are employing mechan- paigns is its access to an international ical skills to produce a car to participate audience. It also aims at encouraging in the International Formula Student Pakistani women to involve themselves competition that will be held in Silver- in projects that are usually restricted to stone car racing track, United Kingdom, the male gender and broaden their ho- in July 2018. rizons, allowing them to become more Through excessive effort and hard independent. work, the 15-member ‘Team Auj’ has Thus far, Team Auj has managed to successfully secured its place as a reg- win the support of some of the biggest istered participant of the International companies in Pakistan and attract many Formula Student competition. sponsors through the unique and sig- This initiative taken by young stu- nificant concept. dents raises women participation in the “The competition is organized by motor-sports industry and is gaining IMECHE- Institute of Mechanical momentum as these talented girls con- Engineering. tinue to utilize their skills and knowl- edge in designing and manufacturing a formula-style race car for the com- petition. Team Auj is one of the many initia-

NADRA Fee for Overseas Pakistanis Reduced

The Government of Pakistan has downward revised the NADRA Card Fee with immediate effect. The new fee structure will come into force from 24th April 2018 as follows:-

The Government of Pakistan has downward revised the NADRA Card Fee with immediate effect. The new fee structure will come into force from 24th April 2018 The normal and urgent/executive NICOP application fees have been re- duced by £30 and £25 respectively. The aforementioned charges will apply to all the NICOP categories, namely:

i. New SMART NICOP ii. Smart NICOP Modification Applicants will be charged requisite fee for NADRA according to the new fee structure at the High Commission in iii. Smart NICOP Duplicate London and its associated Sub-Missions in Birmingham, Bradford, Manchester and Glasgow. iv. Smart NICOP Renewal With the downward revision in NICOP Fee, the Government of Pakistan has fulfilled the longstanding demand of overseas Pakistanis to review NADRA charges.