Pakistan To Continue Political, Moral, Diplomatic Support To

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th August, 2016) : Pakistan's High Commissioner to the UK Syed Ibne Abbas said that Pakistan was committed to provide political, moral and diplomatic support to the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir for their just cause of self-determination. He said this in an interaction with members of the Pakistani community at the Consulate of Pakistan in Birmingham, said a press release received here Saturday.

The event was attended by mayors, coucilllors, business persons, media representatives and professionals from various fields like doctors, engineers, solicitors and accountants, besides Khalid Mehmood MP. The high commissioner condemned the ongoing atrocities committed by the Indian security forces in the Indian Occupied Kashmir, and urged the international community to take notice of the human rights violations of the people of IOK.

He presented an overview of the state of economy, energy situation and security environment of the country and apprised the audience of Government of Pakistan's efforts to address these challenges.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan has pursued a forward-looking reform agenda which has brought about economic turnaround. He said all major credit rating agencies have upgraded Pakistan's sovereign ratings. Recently, Pakistan has been reclassified from Frontier Market to Emerging Market status, which was yet another testimony of the confidence of the international financial institutions in Pakistan's economy and its potential as investment destination.

The high commissioner said China had committed to invest around $46 billion into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which was considered to be the game changer and was expected to bring vast economic opportunities in the region.

Speaking on the security situation in the country, the high commissioner said that due to great sacrifices of the people and security forces of Pakistan, peace was returning to Pakistan.

Similarly, law and order situation in Karachi had improved significantly, he added. Regarding the regional situation, the high commissioner emphasized meaningful dialogue with India to resolve outstanding issues, including the core issue of Kashmir.

Similarly, he underlined the importance of effective border management between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The envoy also reiterated Pakistan's stance on return of over three million Afghan refugees to their own country in view of the improved security environment there. On Pakistan-UK bilateral relations, Syed Ibne Abbas said that the two countries had excellent ties which were further cemented by strong Pakistani diaspora in the UK.

He noted that after Brexit, the UK was reaching out to various countries in order to diversify its economy which offers good opportunities for Pakistani businesses. He urged the community to be law abiding citizens of the UK which would bring good name to Pakistan.

The high commissioner extended Independence Day felicitations to the the community in advance and invited them to take part in the efforts of the high commission to celebrate the 70th Independence Anniversary of Pakistan in a befitting manner. Members of the community appreciated the efforts of the high commission and its consulates for improved consular services and acquiring the new building for the Birmingham Consulate las year which has provided great comfort to the visitors.