High Commissioner hosts Eid-ul-Fitr Open House

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Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK,

Pakistan House in London on 6th July 2016.

from all walks of society including Ambassadors/ High

Pakistani cuisine and delicacies that brought back

by Tanya Wells, Amir Hussain Qawwal and Raja Kashif

Special arrangements were also made to entertain the

The attendees termed the event a great opportunity to

1 High Commissioner hosts Eid-ul-Fitr Open House H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, hosted Eidul-Fitr Open House at his official residence Pakistan House in London on 6th July The High Commissioner and his wife welcomed guests from all walks of society including Ambassadors/ High Commissioners, Lords, MPs, Mayors, Councillors and many others. The attendees enjoyed the mouth watering traditional Pakistani cuisine and delicacies that brought back memories of Pakistan, whereas live musical performance by Tanya Wells, Amir Hussain Qawwal and Raja Kashif added to the festivities. Special arrangements were also made to entertain the children, including a bouncy castle and a candy corner. The attendees termed the event a great opportunity to meet and greet fellow brother/sisters and said, Atmosphere of the festivity reflects the beauty of our rich culture, traditions, apparel and cuisine. Around 1,500 people from all walks of life attended the event.

New book on Pakistan cricket White on Green launched at the High Commission Book White on Green co- authored by Richard Heller and Peter Oborne was launched at the High Commission for Pakistan,

Adding, Pakistanis around the world are very passionate about cricket, which has now become part of our identity.

Richard Heller said: I hope this new book will take readers closer to Pakistan cricket and in that way closer to Pakistan itself.

He stated that the book presents not only the history of the Pakistan cricket but also sheds light on several historical and cultural aspects of the Pakistani society.

2 New book on Pakistan cricket White on Green launched at the High Commission Book White on Green co- authored by Richard Heller and Peter Oborne was launched at the High Commission for Pakistan, London on 12, July H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK commended the authors on bringing out such a well researched book on Pakistani cricket. Adding, Pakistanis around the world are very passionate about cricket, which has now become part of our identity. Peter Oborne and Richard Heller thanked the people of Pakistan and the High Commission for Pakistan for their support in accomplishing the project of the book. Richard Heller said: I hope this new book will take readers closer to Pakistan cricket and in that way closer to Pakistan itself. Pakistan is a fascinating, multi-layered country - cricket has become part of its national identity. Ambassador Shahryar Khan gave a comprehensive overview of the book. He stated that the book presents not only the history of the Pakistan cricket but also sheds light on several historical and cultural aspects of the Pakistani society. Amongst the attendees were cricket legends Zaheer Abbas, Intikhab Alam and Ambassador Shahryar Khan, Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and 200 other cricket fans. Consuls General Conference held at the High Commission H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK chaired the annual Consuls General Conference on 18 July The Conference was attended by Consuls General of Pakistan in Birmingham, Bradford, Glasgow and Manchester together with the officers of the High Commission. The purpose of the Conference was to review the implementation status of the decisions made during the last Conference and set out goals and targets for the next year. A wide range of issues pertaining to the Consulates of Pakistan came under discussion, including administrative and consular matters; community outreach initiatives; cultural, sports and literary activities; and satisfaction that most of the targets set out during the last Conference were achieved. While commending the focused efforts of the officers, he advised them to take further measures to facilitate the community through efficient service delivery, in line with the instructions of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. He also appreciated their efforts in reaching out and connecting with the community, particularly students and the youth, through regular economic diplomacy with special focus missioner advised the Consuls General visits to the mosques and schools in on enhancing trade and promoting in- to step up their efforts to enhance bilat- their respective areas of responsibility. eral trade and adopt a more proactive vestment in Pakistan. Elaborate guidelines were given by Post-Brexit situation and its bearing approach in dealing with issues arising the High Commissioner to the Consuls on Pakistan-UK bilateral relations were from Brexit. General for the next year. also discussed in detail. The High ComThe High Commissioner noted with

Commonwealth team defeated England 12-11 in a thrilling game at the prestigious Guards Polo Club on Saturday 23 July 2016.

bas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the For the first time in history, an Asian player was on the Commonwealth team UK together with his wife was present at the match. honouring Pakistan.

Keeping the national flag flying high internationally, Hissam Ali Hyder has taken oath to represent Pakistan at every step of his career.

Baroness D Souza, Speaker of the House of Lords at the British Parliament on 14 July 2015.

through bilateral visits, seminars and conferences.

The Speaker also raised the issue of recent escalation of violence in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK), expressing Parliamentary delegation from Pakistan at the Westminster London serious

3 Pakistan s Hissam Ali Hyder of Team Commonwealth brings The Royal Salute His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh and Royal Salute s Peter Moore, Global Prestige Brand Director, presented the mighty Coronation Cup to Hissam Ali Hyder (Pakistan), Fred Mannix (Team Captain from Canada), Chris Mackenzie (South Africa) and John Paul Clarkin (New Zealand) after the GT Bank Commonwealth team defeated England in a thrilling game at the prestigious Guards Polo Club on Saturday 23 July The Coronation Cup is a high goal game consisting of 27 goals per team and is one of the biggest international Amongst guests, H.E. Syed Ibne Abevents in polo to take place every year. bas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the For the first time in history, an Asian player was on the Commonwealth team UK together with his wife was present at the match. honouring Pakistan. Hissam Ali Hyder dedicated his win to Abdul Sattar Edhi, adding his passing has been the biggest loss to our country as he represented Pakistan like no other. Keeping the national flag flying high internationally, Hissam Ali Hyder has taken oath to represent Pakistan at every step of his career. Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq meets Lord Speaker Baroness D Souza in London Hon ble Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, met with Rt Hon. Baroness D Souza, Speaker of the House of Lords at the British Parliament on 14 July The Speaker, in his meeting, expressed satisfaction on the existing level of cooperation between the Parliaments of the two countries, and emphasized on further enhancing parliamentary exchanges through bilateral visits, seminars and conferences. Apprising Baroness D Souza on the parliamentary best practices, the Speaker briefed her on the functioning of the various Committees in the National Assembly of Pakistan. The Speaker also raised the issue of recent escalation of violence in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK), expressing Parliamentary delegation from Pakistan at the Westminster London serious concern on the killing of innocent Kashmiris by the Indian forces. He also updated the Lord Speaker on the improved security and economic situation in Pakistan. The Lord Speaker welcomed the growing cooperation between the two Parliaments. She agreed on enhancing parliamentary cooperation with particular focus to empower women and young members of the Parliament. The Lord Speaker also appreciated the steps taken by the Government of Pakistan to consolidate democracy and assured UK s support to the democratic institutions in Pakistan. Dinner hosted by H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK in the honor of Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq & members of the Parliament.

High Commissioner calls on the Imam-e-Kaaba Imam-e-Kaaba, His Em

Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK called on Imam-e-Kaaba, His Eminence Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais at the Regents Park Islamic Cultural Centre London, after the Juma prayer on 22 July

The Imame-Kaaba also conveyed his best wishes and prayers for the brotherly government and the people of Pakistan.

The High Commissioner also invited His Eminence to visit Pakistan.

4 High Commissioner calls on the Imam-e-Kaaba Imam-e-Kaaba, His Eminence Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais expressed special warmth and affection towards the brotherly country H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK called on Imam-e-Kaaba, His Eminence Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais at the Regents Park Islamic Cultural Centre London, after the Juma prayer on 22 July The High Commissioner extended greetings to the Imam-e-Kaaba on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan. The Imame-Kaaba also conveyed his best wishes and prayers for the brotherly government and the people of Pakistan. Pakistan. The High Commissioner requested special prayers for the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK), who are suffering the worst atrocities and oppression at the hands of the Indian government. The High Commissioner also invited His Eminence to visit Pakistan. Quran Khawani for late Abdul Sattar Edhi At the end, Dua was offered for Edhi Sahib as well as for peace, prosperity and progress of Pakistan. Speaking to the media on the occasion, the High Commissioner said Edhi Sahib s services to the humanity and his philanthropic work are unparalleled and would always be remembered with respect and gratitude. He was a great human being and great role model for all of us. The High Commission for Pakistan in London, in collaboration with the Edhi Foundation, London held Quran Khawani for late Abdul Sattar Edhi at the High Commission on 13, July A large number of people from all walks of life attended the Quran Khawani together with H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK and Tariq Awan, Head of Operations, Edhi Foundation (UK and Europe). In conversation with the cooking expert, Irfan Husain In collaboration with The Pakistan Society, the High Commission for Pakistan, London organised a talk with the renowned cooking expert Irfan Hussain on 20th July, Primarily known for his pithy columns on an encyclopaedic range of subjects for a variety of publications, Irfan Husain shared his experiences and adventures in learning how to cook traditional Pakistani food. It was when he began to spend over half the year in England, about 13 years ago, that he found he missed the authentic, home-cooked dishes of Pakistan so much that he decided to teach himself how to cook them. The more he cooked, the more he discovered about the origins and history of Pakistani cuisine, he explained. Irfan also touched upon the practical side of cooking about his own trials and triumphs, and gave advice about the musts, the shortcuts, the tips to present an entertaining, informative and delectable picture of Pakistani food today. The forum provided a valuable opportunity for the Pakistanis living in the UK to get an insight into Pakistani cooking.

Dinner in Honour of the National Cricket Team would further strengthen these linkages.

Pakistan as we have achieved great success in the war against terror and Pakistan is a safe country to play cricket now.

The Consulate General of Pakistan, Manchester and the Pakistani community hosted a reception dinner in honour of the visiting Pakistani Cricket Team in Manchester on 20th July 2016.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lord Mayor of Manchester appreciated the contribution of the British Pakistani community to the British society.

headed by their MD & President Mr. Amjad A. Khan visited the High Commission on 26 July 2016 and discussed with the High Commissioner their business expansion strategy.

5 Dinner in Honour of the National Cricket Team would further strengthen these linkages. Mr Intekhab Alam, Manager of the Pakistani cricket team highlighted the absence of international cricket from Pakistan and said that it is high time that international teams should pay visit to Pakistan as we have achieved great success in the war against terror and Pakistan is a safe country to play cricket now. The community was very excited to meet their national heroes and made most of the opportunity by taking photographs and autographs with their favourite players. The Consulate General of Pakistan, Manchester and the Pakistani community hosted a reception dinner in honour of the visiting Pakistani Cricket Team in Manchester on 20th July Welcoming the team, Dr Zahoor Ahmed, Consul General called them the national heroes of Pakistan and presented a memento shield to the cricket team which was received by Captain Misbah Ul Haq. Speaking on the occasion, the Lord Mayor of Manchester appreciated the contribution of the British Pakistani community to the British society. He said that cricket is an important link between the two countries and the Pakistani cricket team s visit to Manchester NESPAK delegation visits the High Commission A delegation of NESPAK Pakistan, headed by their MD & President Mr. Amjad A. Khan visited the High Commission on 26 July 2016 and discussed with the High Commissioner their business expansion strategy. The delegation apprised the High Commissioner of the various projects which are currently being executed in Pakistan, especially Punjab Saaf Pani Project and Orange Line Project in Punjab. They also informed about their desire to enter into joint ventures (JVs), with reputable British consultancy firms. Such JVs will help bring international best practices in the country coupled with capacity building of Pakistani pro- fessionals to deliver projects of international standard in Pakistan.The High Commissioner assured the delegation of all possible support in their endeavours and asked them to keep the High Commission updated on their projects through close liaison to work together in future. The Commercial Counsellor will facilitate future meetings of the NESPAK officials with the relevant British authorities especially with UKTI, British Council and DFID, among others for further collaboration. CEO PIA briefs media on PIA performance Mr Bernd Hildenbrand, CEO of the PIA showcased operational profits and an increase in PIA s daily average number of flights that crossed 120 in March, despite having limited number of aircrafts. He was briefing the media in London on 11 July Mr Hildenbrand apprised the media of the improvements in PIA services. In particular, mentioning the drastic Pakistan Cricket Match with British Army changes that have taken place to uplift the airlines standards, including improving on-time performance and punctuality as well as laying more emphasis on cleanliness of aircraft and quality of in-flight meals. He also gave details about his vision to modernise PIA and turn it into a profitable corporation. H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK with Mr Alok Sharma MP

6 Stating that mosques are everywhere in Pakistan is hardly likely to be the surprise of the century. Yet it is for this reason that you should know that some of them clearly stand out so that if you are ever nearby, you will simply have to make sure you detou r to make the visit. Starting in Sindh, in the city of Thatta is the Shah Jahan Mosque. Built in 1647, the mosque is probably the finest Mughal monument in the province. The 93 domes are ornate as they are practical as the prayers said at the mihrab can be heard all over the building. The surfaces of the mosque are covered with exquisite calligraphy carved in golden stone and elaborate blue tile work. It can easily be visited as a day trip from Karachi. Moving into Southern Punjab and near Rahim Yar Khan is Bhong Mosque. This is a relatively new mosque as it was only completed in 1982 under the supervision of and funded by the local landlord. What makes it so fascinating is that it is a catalogue of all the building and decorative techniques ever developed or used in the subcontinent. Given that almost every square inch is decorated some may argue that it has been overdone and gaudy but all can admire the effort that has been put into it. Still in Punjab and into Lahore where one is spoilt for choice with the glorious Badshahi Mosque but the one to visit is in the old city just through Delhi Gate. Here one stumbles upon the Wazir Khan Mosque that was built in This stunning building is known for the colourful fresco and beautiful tile decorations that adorn both the interior and exterior. The calligraphy surrounding the mihrab is sublime. If Peshawar is your destination then the Mohabbat Khan Mosque is the place to visit. This is another Mughal mosque with intricate calligraphy and lavish floral and geometric designs painted. It is unique as the mosque is white due to the marble used in its construction. Even in the far north of the country there is the Shahi Masjid in Chitral, which was built by the Mehtars of the past and is attached to Chitral Fort. This small and ornate mosque is must see for anyone visiting Chitral but more so for the beautiful surroundings in which it is located. Given that there are over a quarter of a million mosques in Pakistan, see if you can visit one of the five mentioned above next time you are there!

Expression of solidarity with the Kashmiris

Expression of solidarity with the Kashmiris A great expression of solidarity with the Kashmiri people was witnessed at a Seminar on Kashmir at the British House of Parliament on 09 February 2016. The seminar