“Councillors Convention-2018”
High Commissioner calls upon Councillors to put across Pakistan’s viewpoint on important issues to their MPs
The Pakistan High Commission, Lon- were needed to be made. The High Commissioner also con- Pakistani community, which must be don organized a “Councillors Conven- H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High demned the human rights violations in benefitted from to better integrate into tion-2018” in London on 24 February Commissioner to the UK, said in his re- Indian Occupied Kashmir and urged the the mainstream British society. 2018. This was the 3rd Councillors Con- marks that the Councillors Convention international community to stop these Sardar Masood Khan, President vention since 2015. About 200 British is an important platform to connect with violations immediately. AJ&K attended the Convention as a Pakistani Councillors, Lord Mayors and our diaspora and forge better under- Lord Nazir Ahmed, Paul Scully MP, special guest and apprised the attendees Mayors from across the UK attended the standing on issues of common interest. Hanzal Malik, former MSP addressed about the dire human rights violations in Convention. Lord Nazir Ahmed, Paul The High Commissioner stated that the inaugural session and made obser- Kashmir. He also gave an update on the Scully, Conservative MP, Ruth Cadbury, Councillors/Mayors make the first tier vations and recommendations relevant development projects in the AJ&K. Labour MP, Councillor Hanzala Malik, of Westminster Democracy and many to the community and Pakistan-UK re- The panellists included Ruth Cadbury former Member of Scottish Parliament, of them would make their way to the lations. MP; Mr Julian Hamilton, Chairman community leaders, professionals, acad- British Parliament; hence, engagement During the two main sessions, dis- Pakistan Britain Business Council, emicians, students and mediapersons with them is of vital importance. cussions took place along the follow- Councillor Asghar Butt; Councillor were among the attendees. Speaking about Pakistan-UK bilat- ing themes relevant to the Pakistani Yasmin Dar; Councillor Sabia Hus- The purpose of the Convention was eral relations, the High Commissioner community, namely: ‘Diaspora’s role sain; Keith Allen Bennett, CPEC expert; to carry forward the dialogue initiated said the two countries have excellent in furthering Pakistan-UK Socio-Eco- Pasha Bocarie, TV Actor and tourism in the previous Councillors Conventions relations in various areas of common nomic and Political Relationship’ and promoter; Councillor Shahid Younas; and reach out to the community through interest. However, he expressed disap- ‘Youth Engagement and Women Em- Councillor Dr Ayesha Raza; Saba Na- the elected leadership of the British Pa- pointment over UK’s sponsoring the powerment’. While appreciating the seem, cricket coach BEM BCA; Dr Sarah kistanis. The event also aimed to provide move to put Pakistan on the Financial contribution of the British Pakistanis Khan; Zahra Shah, CEO British Pakistan a platform to the elected representatives Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List; a in the social and economic life of the Foundation and Councillor Afzal Shah. of the British Pakistanis to get together move he termed was in total disregard Britain, panellists emphasized on the Suniya Qureshi, and Aneeqa Malik and share ideas on common causes re- to the sacrifices made by Pakistan in enhanced focus on education for chil- moderated one session each. The event lated to the Pakistani community in the fight against terrorism. He called upon dren, higher education for youth, active was held in a local restaurant in London. UK. Another purpose of the Convention the Councillors/Mayors and members role of women in various walks of life, was to celebrate the achievements of the of the Community to lobby with their and respect for plurality and diversity British Pakistanis in various walks of life MPs to put across Pakistan’s viewpoint while retaining one’s own culture, iden- in the UK as well as identify the inad- on important national, regional and in- tity and heritage. It was noted that there equacies and areas where more efforts ternational issues. are great opportunities on offer for the British Parliamentarians term human rights abuses in Kashmir shocking
In an impressive demonstration of to both sides of Kashmir.” solidarity with the people of Indian The speakers voiced deep concerns Occupied Kashmir (IOK), the British over atrocities and human rights viola- Parliamentarians termed gross human tions in Indian Occupied Kashmir by the rights violations of the Kashmiri peo- Indian security forces, and demanded ple shocking. They urged India to im- an immediate end to the draconian laws mediately stop atrocities in IOK and being exercised by the Indian security resolve the long-standing dispute of forces there. Kashmir according to the resolutions Raja Najabat Hussain, Chairman of the United Nations. The Parliamen- Jammu Kashmir Self-Determination tarians were speaking at a seminar on Movement International expressed the Kashmir, jointly organized by the Pa- hope that later this year another debate kistan High Commission London and on Kashmir would be held in the British Jammu Kashmir Self- Determination Parliament to highlight the plight of the Movement International, in the British Kashmiri people and to underscore the Parliament on 05 February 2018. importance of the resolution of the dis- Several Lords, MPs and MEPs ad- pute for regional peace and prosperity. dressed on the occasion. Besides, a large Kashmir Solidarity Day is observed an brutalities in Kashmir, Acting High Chaudhri said: “Pakistan has proposed number of Mayors, Councillors, Kash- every year on 05 February to demon- Commissioner Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri to the UN Secretary General to appoint miri leaders, members of the civil society strate support for the right to self-deter- urged the international community to a Special Envoy on Kashmir. I would like and human rights organizations, Kash- mination of the people of Jammu & come forward and call upon India to to iterate our proposal of a fact finding miri community and media persons at- Kashmir. end its state terrorism in Kashmir. Mr mission of the British Parliamentarians tended the seminar. Condemning Indi-
Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal meets with British leadership in London
Mr Ahsan Iqbal, Interior Minister of Pakistan, who visited the UK last month, met with the British leadership and dis- cussed cooperation and collaboration in areas of common interest. Mr Ahsan Iqbal met with Rt Hon Bo- ris Johnson, British Foreign Secretary, and apprised him of Pakistan’s successful fight against extremism and terrorism which resulted in significant improve- ment in the security of the country. The Foreign Secretary commended Paki- stan’s counter terrorism efforts. In his meeting with Rt Hon David Gauke, Secretary of State for Justice, de- tailed discussions were held on ways and means to re-operationalise the prisoners exchange programme between the two countries. Cooperation in prosecution Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Interior Minister of Pakistan shaking hand with Mr Boris Johnson, British Foreign Secretary (L) reforms was also discussed. In this re- and Mr. John Glen, Economic Secretary to the Treasury (R) in London gard, Minister Ahsan Iqbal proposed to form a Joint Working Group (JWG) bilateral trade and diaspora. ble facilitation would be extended to the invest in Pakistan where there are enor- between the two countries. The Secre- Ihe Interior Minister had anoth- Pakistani students and business people. mous opportunities are arising due to tary agreed to the proposal. er meeting with Mrs Caroline Nokes, Besides, the Minister met with Mr. China Pakistan Economic Corridor. He Mr Ahsan Iqbal also met with Lord Minister of State for Immigration. He John Glen, Economic Secretary to the also addressed briefed the media on lat- Tariq Ahmad, UK’s Minister of State for specifically raised the problems being Treasury. The two sides held detailed est developments in Pakistan. Commonwealth and UN, and discussed faced by Pakistani students and busi- discussion on bilateral cooperation in a wide range of bilateral relations per- ness people in getting British visas. Mrs areas of economy and finance. taining to enhancing the role of Com- Caroline assured the Minister that she The Minister also interacted with the monwealth, development cooperation, would look into the matter and all possi- Pakistani diaspora and invited them to
Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Interior Minister of Pakistan delivering a talk at the Inter- Mr Ahsan Iqbal, Interior Minister of Pakistan, meeting with Mr. David national Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) in London Gauke, UK’s Secretary of State for Justice in London “Explore Pakistan” programme
High Commission to send Six Promising British Pakistani Youth on Pakistan Trip: Syed Ibne Abbas
Six promising British-Pakistani youth Explore Pakistan programme would will be sent to Pakistan this year on offer a unique opportunity for the stu- sponsorship of the Pakistan High Com- dents to experience development and mission, London. This was announced progress in various areas, including in- by H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High frastructure business, trade, investment, Commissioner to the UK at a third day- financial and information technology long Councillors Convention held in and social entrepreneurship. London on 24 February 2018. To select suitable candidates, a com- The initiative has been named as “Ex- mittee comprising Officers of the High plore Pakistan”. Commission has been formed that Speaking about this programme, the would formulate a merit-based selection High Commissioner said: criterion and work out other modalities “The initiative aims at connecting of the programme. More information the British Pakistani youth with their about the programme will be shared country of origin as well as their cultural through media and Mission’s website heritage. Under this programme, young in due course. persons from the diaspora will be able to explore various facets of life in Pa- and development taking place in the build bridges between the peoples of kistan and know more about progress country. It would also enable them to Pakistan and the UK.” Prime Minister’s Youth Programme beneficiaries cross 1.1 Million
Ms. Leila Khan, Chairperson Prime Minister’s youth program, chairing a feedback session with the Pakistani delegation who participated in the 19th World Festival of youth and students 2017 in Sochi, Russia from 14-22 October
Expressing satisfaction on overall Minister’s Youth Programme said, “Un- 100,000 unemployed youth have been whereas 100,000 more youth will com- progress of various components of der PM’s Youth Business Loan Scheme, trained in around 100 demand-driven plete training by the end of 2018. Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, we have so far disbursed around 22,000 vocational trades across the country, Prime Minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi loans worth Rs. 22 Billion among edu- has said that youth programme, initiated cated and skilled youth, both men and in 2013, was reflective of the priorities of women, for the promotion of entrepre- PML-N government to help the youth neurship culture in the country.” in becoming the most productive asset These young entrepreneurs are not of the society and thus enabling them only running their own businesses to contribute towards overall socio-eco- successfully but are also providing em- nomic development of the country. ployment to number of other youths This he said during a briefing given around them. 91% recovery rate of the by Chairperson Prime Minister’s Youth scheme, the highest in SME sector fi- Programme at Prime Minister’s Office. nancing, speaks of its success. Under Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Ms. Leila Khan, Chairperson Prime PM’s Youth Skill Development Program, Abbassi
Karachi is a true megacity. It’s the second largest city in the world by population (po- litical boundary) and the economic power- house of Pakistan. It is also the main seaport for the country and as such is home to Pa- kistan’s largest corporations. To service this population, Karachi has built a reputation for it’s magnificent malls and countless eateries. It’s not surprise that it’s known as the City of Lights due its nightlife. All year round many of visit Karachi to visit family or on business but what can we do there as a tourist? The most popular draw is also one of the most recent sites - the Jinnah Mausoleum, the final resting place of Quaid-e-Azam but also that of his sister, Fatima Jinnah and the first prime minister of Pakistan, Liaquat Ali Khan. Karachi also boasts some fabulous coloni- al architecture that now house government offices or state institutions. Ones not to be missed are: The Karachi Port Trust, Frere Hall, Hindu Gymkhana, Empress Market and of course the Mohatta Palace is a must. Many of these buildings are also museums and art galleries so culture vultures will be spoilt for choice. Going back even further in history and located on the edge of the city are the Chaukhandi Tombs. This is an early Islamic cemetery dating back to the Mughal period. The tombs are remarkable for their elaborate sandstone carvings such that the site is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. For those looking to escape the bustling metropolis, one doesn’t have to venture far to experience the city beaches such as at Hawkes Bay, Sandspit and French Beach to name a few. But for those with a sense of adventure why not experience the pristine beaches and turquoise waters along Makran Coast near the Hingol National Park. And once you’re back from a day at the beach what better way to end the day then at The Port Grand Food and Entertainment Complex. Opened in 2011 and located on Napier Mole Bridge, it’s on a site that is very significant to the history of Karachi.Stretch- ing along 300m of the old bridge and sprea ding over an area of 20,000m2 It is cited as the largest food street of Asia. What better place to sample something all Karachiites adore – a great Biryani!