Issue: 05, Vol: 04 May 2015 PPAAKKIISSTTAANN RReevviieeww Monthly Newsletter of High Commission,

Prime Minister Muhammad Prime Minister David Cameron, while met British Prime Minister David Cameron acknowledging the sacrifices rendered by at 10 Downing Street on 25 April 2015. Pakistan, appreciated Pakistan's efforts During their meeting, the two leaders to eradicate extremism and terrorism from discussed a wide range of issues its soil and said UK would continue to pertaining to bilateral cooperation as well assist and extend cooperation to Pakistan as regional and international situation, in this regard. including the current situation in the Middle The Prime Minister also appreciated UK's East. cooperation and assistance in the areas The two leaders expressed satisfaction of security and counter-terrorism. that relations between the two countries Special Assistant to PM, Mr. had substantially strengthened in recent and Pakistan's High Commissioner, Syed years. They expressed confidence that Ibne Abbas accompanied the Prime bilateral ties between the two countries Minister. would see further enhancement especially The Prime Minister visited the UK at the in the area of trade and economy. invitation of the British Prime Minister.

INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS CALL ON FINANCE MINISTER IN LONDON

Representatives from the top Pakistan would continue its GDP growth rate has exceeded national grid. The Minister financial companies in London presence in the international 4% after a period of 6 years while assured the investors that the met with Finance Minister Ishaq market during the next fiscal inflation has come down to 2.5% country would soon get rid of the D a r a t P a k i s t a n H i g h year. in March 2015 after a period of menace of terrorism and Commission London on 15 April Pakistan has successfully 12 years while the core inflation extremism as a result of National 2015. Leading investment funds completed six reviews under an is around 5%; government has Action Plan (NAP). including Jefferies, Aberdeen IMF programme for the first time made concerted efforts to Minister Dar said under the Asset Management, Ashmore ever, while the 7th review was minimize the fiscal deficit to 4 %; social safety net programs, Group, Renaissance Capital, also ready for 1st week of May government has substantially around 5 million of the decreased its dependence on poorest families borrowing from domestic banks had benefited. He said, from making the capital available for economic point of view, private sector; Stock Market and the government was looking to Forex market are also doing promote sustainable and well; Pakistani currency has inclusive growth by increasing been recently reported as one of GDP to around 7%, decreasing the best performing currencies fiscal deficit to 4%, increasing in the world by Bloomberg; and investment to GDP ratio to 22 %, Moody's has just upgraded and increasing exports to 32 Pakistan's economic outlook billion USD. from stable to positive. The Chief of Staff and Head of Minister hoped that the CAA Business Development at rating would be improved London Stock Exchange Group keeping in view the recent (LSEG) Mr Nikhil Rathi, along positive economic outlook of with Senior Advisor, Primary a n d S p i n n a k e r w e r e 2015, the Minister added. He Pakistan. He was confident that Markets at LSEG Ms Gavin represented at the meeting. further said that the response Pakistan would be able to join Sullivan, also called on Finance Giving an overview of the Pakistan received in the London the league of emerging markets. Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar Pakistan economy, the Minister financial market had surpassed The Finance Minister stated that in London and discussed issues highlighted the successful all expectations and hence the government was looking to of mutual interest. Responding to questions raised issuance of Euro and Sukuk London remains very relevant increase the forex reserves to by the investors, Minister said bonds and recent divestment of for the Pakistan capital markets. record high of 18.2 billion USD. Government shares in Habib Minister Dar underscored some Ta l k i n g a b o u t e n e r g y t h a t t h e P a k i s t a n - C h i n a Bank. He said that investors' o f t h e m a j o r e c o n o m i c issue, he said by the end of 2017, Economic Corridor would not interest in Pakistan was achievements of the present Pakistan would have additional only benefit Pakistan but the reassuring and said that government that are as follows: 10,000 MW of electricity in the entire region. PRIME MINISTER ATTENDS GALLIPOLI CAMPAIGN CENTENARY COMMEMORATION

Prime Minister Muhammad sacrifices of valiant soldiers of Dardanelles Strait in Canakkale Nawaz Sharif attended the the Gallipoli campaign, including province's peninsula of Gallipoli, Gallipoli Campaign Centenary soldiers from areas that now at which there was a turnaround commemoration at White Hall on form part of Pakistan. He said in favour of the Turks and other 25 April 2015 together with that this event would serve to Ottoman citizens fighting in Queen, Elizabeth II; Duke of reinvigorate global desire for World War I against the Allied Edinburgh, Prince Philip; Prime resolution of differences through Forces. Minister, David Cameron; dialogue. The Prime Minister also laid a Deputy Prime Minister, Nick The Prime Minister underscored floral wreath at the Cenotaph in Clegg and Labour Party leader the important role that the memory of those soldiers who Ed Miliband along with several Commonwealth has played laid down their lives during the leaders and representatives of under the Leadership of Her Gallipoli campaign.Special Commonwealth countries as M a j e s t y t h e Q u e e n a n d Assistant to PM, Mr. Tariq Fatemi well as Turkey. promoted a sense of unity a n d P a k i s t a n ' s H i g h Later, during his interaction with among the member states. Commissioner, Syed Ibne Abbas world leaders the Prime Minister The year 2015 marks the 100th a c c o m p a n i e d t h e P r i m e acknowledged the courage and anniversary of the battle in the Minister.

FINANCE MINISTER ISHAQ DAR ADDRESSES PAKISTANI COMMUNITY IN LONDON

E v e r s i n c e t h e c u r r e n t Pakistan economy a great deal Government came into power t h r o u g h t h e i r v a l u a b l e under the leadership of Prime remittances. He also thanked Minister Muhammad Nawaz Pakistan High Commission for Sharif, the above-mentioned four arranging his interaction with the sectors were being addressed on community and the investors in priority, he added. As a result, the London. Minister said, the growth rate In his opening remarks, H.E. was improving, the inflation was Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High coming down, capital market was Commissioner to the UK performing better and the welcomed the Minister and currency gained stability. thanked him for agreeing to The Minister stated that the share his vision on Pakistan government would end the economy with the community energy shortage before the and potential investors in the UK. Finance Minister Mohammad was moving forward. He also completion of its tenure. He H e a l s o w e l c o m e d t h e Ishaq Dar addressed the shared his government's vision r e i t e r a t e d g o v e r n m e n t ' s community and business Pakistani community and the of the roadmap for continued c o m m i t m e n t t o i n c r e a s e persons to the High Commission. business persons over a economic prosperity and efforts education budget from 2% to 4% The event was attended by about luncheon organised by Pakistan to overcome the challenges to in next two years. He also stated 100 people from cross-section of High Commission London on 15 economy. that the Government was fully the society, including Members April 2015. Senator Dar Minister Dar explained that committed to asset sale of the House of Lords, Mayors, highlighted the improved and Government's reforms agenda programme. Councillors, leading business stable outlook in the country's was based on 4Es, i.e. economy, T h e F i n a n c e M i n i s t e r people, community leaders, ratings ever since the issuing of e n e r g y, e x t r e m i s m a n d appreciated the role of diaspora representatives of the financial Euro Bond and said that Pakistan education/health (social sector). and said that they were helping institutions and media.

LCCI PAPER DELEGATION CALLS ON THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

A seven-member delegation of trade in this sector i.e. importing the Chamber of r a w m a t e r i a l / p a p e r a n d Commerce and Industry led by exporting it back to the as a finished product. Mr Khamis Saeed Butt, Welcoming the delegation, the Chairman Paper and Paper High Commissioner appreciated Board Traders Standing the initiative of the paper Committee called on H.E. Syed companies to visit UK and Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High highlighted that such business Commissioner to the UK on 16 visits were very important in April 2015. The delegation was terms of identifying business opportunities in the UK. He representing Paper and Paper further added that the present Board sector at the London Book Government was determined to Fair. create an investment oriented The delegates apprised the High framework to stimulate the C o m m i s s i o n e r o f t h e private sector and increase opportunities for bilateral trade exports of Pakistan. The High in paper sector and termed their Commissioner assured the visit an opportunity to open delegation of all possible doors for increasing business facilitation from the High with the UK. They said there Commission required to do was huge potential for bilateral business with the UK. HIGH COMMISSIONER WELCOMES RELAXING OF PAKISTAN TRAVEL ADVICE BY FCO T h e B r i t i s h F o r e i g n & according to the FCO, most Commonwealth Office (FCO), visits to Pakistan are trouble- on 14 April 2015, revised its free. The High Commissioner travel advisory on Pakistan, hoped that in view of the rapidly allowing its citizens to travel to improving security situation in the Gilgit-Baltistan area. Pakistan, the UK government Welcoming this development, would keep its travel advisory H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan under review to encourage High Commissioner to the UK travel to Pakistan which offers termed relaxation in travel enormous tourism, investment advisory reflective of the UK and business opportunities. G o v e r n m e n t ' s g r o w i n g Gilgit-Baltistan is renowned for confidence in the improving some of the world's best security situation in Pakistan. He s c e n e r y , t r e k k i n g , commented that lifting of travel walking and adventure tourism restrictions for Gilgit-Baltistan opportunities. Lifting of the would augur well for revival of advice means that this area will tourism industry in Pakistan, be more open and accessible to especially adventure tourism in foreign tourists. Presently, over Gilgit-Balitistan. 270,000 British nationals visit It is encouraging to know that Pakistan every year.

IFTIKHAR ARIF CALLS ON THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

Acclaimed poet and cultural heritage and promise scholar of Pakistan, Iftikhar Arif for our future generations, and called on H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, assured his cooperation in its Pakistan High Commissioner to promotion. the UK on 2 April 2015. Iftikhar Iftikhar Arif has headed the Arif is currently the Academy of Letters ECO Cultural Institute in and the National Language Tehran. Authority. He has been The High Commissioner decorated with Hilal-e-Imtiaz, commended Iftikhar Arif's Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Presidential fascinating poetry as well as his Pride of Performance, which are tireless efforts in promoting the highest literary awards Urdu language and literature. given by the Government of He also discussed with him Pakistan. He has written several ideas to preserve and promote b o o k s i n c l u d i n g M e h r - i - Pakistani literature and culture Doneem, Harf-i-Baryab, Jahan- in the UK. Iftikhar Arif said that e-Maloom, Barhwan Khilari and Urdu literature possesses rich Kitab-e-Dil-o-Dunya. EDITH EVELYN WALI MOHAMMAD MEMORIAL TRUST SCHOLARSHIPS FOR PAKISTANI STUDENTS Three Pakistani students were handed over the scholarship Ms. Sajida Nawaz were selected University Hyderabad and has awarded with Edith Evelyn Wali cheques to the candidates on for the award by the Board of since grown over the years. Mohammad Memorial Trust b e h a l f o f t h e H i g h Trustees. Every year it grants scholarships scholarship on 13 April 2015. Dr. Commissioner, who is Ex-Officio Edith Evelyn Wali Mohammad to the Ph.D. students, who are in I s r a r H u s s a i n , M i n i s t e r Chairman of the Trust. The Memorial Trust was created in their final years in natural (Consular Affairs) at Pakistan students, namely Ms. Juneda 1954 by the former Vice sciences & Medicine. The next High Commission London Sarfraz, Mr. Usman Adeel and C h a n c e l l o r o f U s m a n i a award will be publicized soon. ENCHANTED BY FAIRIES IN NORTH PAKISTAN

described the expanse as 'fairy tale meadows' but the name has since stuck. It is a popular starting point for trekkers and climbers heading for base camp or higher but in recent years it has become increasingly popular with domestic tourists with a sense of adventure due to the easy a c c e s s p r o v i d e d b y t h e legendary Karakoram Highway. However, it is not just for trekkers as there are some great day the mountains in all their glory. Did you know that there are only Sunday lunch. This feat is only walks amongst stunning alpine To get to Fairy Meadows, it is a 14 mountains in the world that possible in Pakistan and we are forest with magical views of the one-day scenic drive from are over8000m high? You may talking about the 9th highest Raikot face of Nanga Parbat. Islamabad followed by a 45- even dream of one day being mountain in the world, Nanga Accommodation has greatly minute white-knuckle jeep ride able to visit these majestic peaks P a r b a t v i e w e d fr o m th e improved with enterprising locals and then a 3hr gentle trek. and be in awe of the sheer beauty picturesque Fairy Meadows. building wooden huts as well as Ponies and porters can also be and peace that they inspire. Fairy Meadows is the name providing hot water and even hired for those that need them. What you may not know is that given to a 3300m high grassland electricity via mini hydroelectric Isn't it about time that you got out you could leave work on a Friday and hamlet locally known as units. It is the perfect getaway for of the city and spent a magical evening and actually be in front of Joot. It got its name from early anyone who is short on time and weekend with the fairies on your one of these giants in time for German climbers who initially yet would still want to experience next trip?

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF PAKISTAN

The Consulate General of from ordinary cities in the plains represent the young and The Consul General thanked the P a k i s t a n a t M a n c h e s t e r of Sindh & Punjab to the dynamic face of Pakistani music performers and the audience arranged an evening on 11th h i g h l a n d s o f K h y b e r which is deeply connected to its who managed to come to the March, 2015 at a local Church to P a k h t u n k h w a a n d G i l g i t roots and traditions. event on a working day. He also showcase Pakistani culture and Baltistan. The event was well attended by thanked the care taker of the society. In the first part of the In the second part of the over 200 members of Pakistani Church of Ascension for their event, a young talented Pakistani programme, Chand Khan and and British community. The cooperation in holding this event. Mr. Moin Khan shared his project Suraj Khan, duo of Pakistani event was highly appreciated. of showing the true Pakistani brothers, who have been people and society to the world increasingly receiving accolades through a very interesting from music lovers all over the d o c u m e n t a r y. M r. M o i n world, gave a masterful undertook a motorcycle journey performance of Ghazal singing in of the northern areas of Pakistan the classical sense of the genre. a l o n g w i t h a g r o u p o f They belong to Patiala family and motorcyclists from all over the are sons of renowned classical world. singer, the maestro Ustad The film projects the true face of Hussain Baksh Gullu. Pakistani culture which is full of The duo had performed in hospitality to foreigners and Commonwealth Games and welcoming attitude to all those Celtic Connections festival and who come and explore Pakistan were widely appreciated. They ONLINE APPOINTMENT SYSTEM AT THE HIGH COMMISSION AND ITS CONSULATES Pakistan High Commission website: www.phclondon.org. London and its Consulate in Earlier, the applicants had to Birmingham, Manchester and book appointments by telephone Bradford have started Online only. With the launch of this Appointment System for NADRA system, they can book and Cards. Now the applicants can reschedule appointments at their book, change and cancel their convenience. Moreover, booking appointments online through through telephone will also Pakistan High Commission's remain operational.

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