Pakistan’s First International Expo on Disaster Risk Reduction-2024

In a proactive approach to disaster management, NDMA Pakistan is all set to organize first-ever Pakistan’s International Expo on Disaster Risk Reduction (PIEDRR) 2024, which is scheduled to be held on April 23-25, 2024, at the Pak China Friendship Center in Islamabad. Capitalizing on success of the previous year’s expo, Pakistan Expo on Disaster Risk Reduction, this year PIEDRR 2024 is dedicated to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of knowledge to create safer, more resilient societies capable of withstanding global disasters. This year’s expo will welcome participants from 44 countries across the globe including member states of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and partner countries of NDMA.

PIEDRR 2024 aims to serve as a pivotal global platform to achieve key objectives, including establishment of collaborative partnerships to support joint initiatives and research worldwide, knowledge exchange among global experts, practitioners, and policymakers. It will act as global platform for deliberation on anticipatory actions, practical recommendations a safer and more resilient world from poly-disasters.

The expo will feature a diverse array of participants, including international and bilateral partners, high-level dignitaries, government officials, policy makers, experts, emergency responders, global academia, and think tanks through capacity displays, seminars, group discussions, ignite sessions and global simulation exercises.

PIEDRR 2024 promises to be a dynamic and impactful gathering, uniting stakeholders from around the world to collaborate, innovate, and spearhead positive advancements in disaster risk reduction.

We look forward to your participation in this significant event.

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FLAG HOISTING CEREMONY ON PAKISTAN DAY IN PARIS

EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN, PARIS, FRANCE

(INFORMATION SECTION)

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SUBJECT: FLAG HOISTING CEREMONY ON PAKISTAN DAY IN PARIS

 A flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Embassy of Pakistan Paris to commemorate the Pakistan Day. The event was attended by a large number of Pakistani diaspora, members of diplomatic corps, media representatives and officials of the Embassy.

Messages of the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were read out.

The Ambassador of Pakistan Asim Iftikhar Ahmad welcomed the guests and thanked them for being part of the ceremony. In his remarks, the Ambassador said that on this day in 1940, the Muslims put forward their demand for a “separate state”, a separate homeland where they could live their lives in accordance with their aspirations. Elaborating further he said that 23 March was a landmark day in the history of Pakistan movement.  It is the day of honoring the valiant struggle of our forefathers for a separate homeland – a struggle that was provided with a direction and momentum that began with the historic Lahore Resolution of 1940,  later named as the Pakistan Resolution. It was a great demonstration of vision by the Muslims of the sub-continent as this Resolution brought them together with extraordinary courage and zeal to strive for a separate homeland and freedom that was archived in a short span of seven years.

While addressing the guests the Ambassador said that it was the under the visionary leadership of the Father of The Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and sacrifices made by his companions that multiple odds were overcome to make Pakistan possible and the dream of Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal became a reality.

The Ambassador added that while we celebrate Pakistan Day, we should not forget that the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) are enduring the worst form of repression and state-sponsored terrorism at the hands of Indian occupation forces, aggravated by the Hindutva agenda and the unilateral actions of August 2019. The key to durable peace in South Asia is the resolution of the dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSC). Pakistan, on its part, stands committed to extending all possible support until the realization of right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.

The Ambassador also expressed strong support for Palestinian people who are facing injustice, oppression and illegal occupation for seven decades at the hands of the Israeli Defense Forces. Pakistan remains steadfast in its principled support for the establishment of an independent, viable, and contiguous state of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

The Ambassador highlighted the importance of Pakistan-France friendship and said that both countries share the objective development, peace and security. He added that relations between France and Pakistan have a positive momentum and the two sides have been getting closer not only through political consultations but also through economic activities. A great deal of focus has been placed to enhance cooperation in energy, IT, agriculture and livestock, tourism, and other sectors.

He appreciated the Pakistani community living in France for their achievements and contributions towards strengthening Pak-France ties particularly people to people relationships. He lauded the compatriots as Ambassador of Pakistan and an invaluable asset, committed to the ideals of the founding fathers to attain glory for Pakistan by embracing the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion.

Later, the guests enjoyed poetry and tableau performance by Pakistani children at the occasion.

A ceremony was also held on the occasion to bestow Pakistan Civil Award Tamgha-e-Imtiaz on Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad for outstanding public service. The award had been announced by the President of Pakistan on August 14, 2023.

PARIS: March 23, 2024

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATED AT EMBASSY

EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN, PARIS, FRANCE
(INFORMATION SECTION)

Subject: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATED AT EMBASSY

PARIS: 12 March 2024

The Embassy of Pakistan, in collaboration with Zonta International Paris, co-organized a special event to celebrate the International Women’s Day. A large number of people from all walks of life including the diplomatic community, prominent representatives of the government, UNESCO, international institutions, civil society and media participated. Members of Pakistan-France Senate Friendship Group, Senator Vivette Lopez and Pierre Cuyper also attended.

In his remarks, Ambassador/Permanent Delegate Asim Iftikhar Ahmad highlighted the vital role of women in Pakistan’s independence and national development and paid tribute to their remarkable accomplishments in diverse fields over the years. Providing a historical perspective, the Ambassador also threw light on the central place of women in Islam that also provided an advanced and ahead of time framework of fundamental human rights including the rights of women. He also underlined Pakistan’s strong commitment to continue to strive for gender equality in all aspects of life and to provide an enabling environment for every girl and woman to achieve her full potential. Describing education as a key enabler, the Ambassador underscored the importance of partnerships including with the civil society to promote shared objectives. He also lauded the work of women officers spearheading various wings of the Embassy as a practical manifestation of government’s affirmative action for gender equality and representation.

A detailed presentation showcasing successful Pakistani girls and women from all walks of life throughout Pakistan’s history was also delivered during the event, reaffirming Pakistan’s solemn commitment to continue promoting women empowerment and gender equality across the board.

Assistant Director-General for Education Ms. Stefania Giannini highlighted the role of UNESCO in promoting SDG-4 Education globally. She also mentioned the Malala Funds in Trust Girls’ Right to Education Program as a successful role model of partnership between Pakistan, UNESCO other partners for promoting girls’ education in Pakistan and several other countries.

President of the Zonta Club presented the vision and activities of the organization for education, visibility and promotion of women and girls.
Recorded video messages from Ms. Sania Nishtar, CEO, GAVI and Ms. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also played.

Three outstanding Pakistani-French women Tabassum Saleem (civil service), Naghmana Kiani (social service) and Shaaz Malik (poet/writer) also shared their views on the occasion.

The event was part of the Embassy’s program to mark the International Women’s Day coinciding with the Pakistan Day celebrations in March and was an excellent opportunity to inform the French audience of the tremendous achievements and important role of women in Pakistan.

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Pakistan Embassy in France Hosts Christmas Dinner

EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN, PARIS, FRANCE
(INFORMATION SECTION)

PRESS RELEASE

PARIS: December 22, 2023

A Christmas Dinner was hosted at the Embassy of Pakistan, Paris on December 21, 2023. Ambassador of Pakistan Asim Iftikhar Ahmad welcomed the guests and thanked them for being part of the celebrations. He said that this coming together of people from different faiths, nationalities and backgrounds, is what makes this celebration of Xmas special.

He said that Christmas is a time of happiness, celebration, sharing and remembrance. More importantly it reminds us of the message of Jesus Christ – message of peace tolerance and compassion for everyone around the world. He added that by celebrating DIVERSITY – we promote harmony and tolerance – as this is a mosaic of our modern states, our societies and the global community.

The Ambassador further highlighted that it is the same message of peace common to all divine religions including that of Islam and our Prophet Muhammad’s (p.b.u.h.) universal teachings reflect the same. It goes without saying how important and relevant this universal message remains for the entire humanity today, he added. We are committed to promote harmony, ensure fundamental rights and equal opportunities for all Pakistanis as equal citizens as guided by the vision of our Founding Father – Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The Ambassador appreciated the contributions of the Pakistani Christian community both in Pakistan and abroad where they are the key pillars of Pakistani diaspora. The Christian community remain proud contributors towards the establishment of Pakistan going back to 1947 – and decades of nation building ever since. They are and will always remain an essential and integral part of our multicultural society.

While outlining the active role of Pakistan at the international level the Ambassador duly recognized many friends who have over the years worked with Pakistan in building bridges across nations and civilizations.

The Ambassador also shared that the UN General Assembly had recently unanimously adopted the traditional resolution jointly presented by the Philippines and Pakistan on the “Promotion of inter-religious and inter cultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace”.

The Christmas Dinner was attended by large number of French friends and families, Pakistani Christian community, diplomats and people from all walks of life. Guests were treated with traditional Pakistani food while goody bags brought more smiles to the children.

The officers and staff of the Embassy also attended the event marking Christmas celebrations.

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Pakistan re-elected to UNESCO Executive Board for 2023-2027

Embassy of Pakistan

Paris, France

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Press Release

Pakistan re-elected to UNESCO Executive Board for 2023-2027

Pakistan was re-elected today to the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the term 2023-2027. Pakistan wishes to thank Member States for their support and the confidence reposed in its candidature. It is a matter of immense pride to have been entrusted with the responsibility to serve on the Executive Board. Pakistan will avail this opportunity to continue to contribute to the policymaking, development of norms, advancement of global priorities, and effective oversight of programs and activities of the Organization.

Pakistan values the ever-relevant and crucial role of UNESCO as a universal forum to promote the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind and advancement of global peace and development through education, science, culture and communication. As an ardent advocate of multilateralism, Pakistan will endeavour to strengthen our collective efforts at UNESCO, including by building bridges across regions and forging consensus on key issues for tangible outcomes and impact on ground. As a partner, Pakistan will continue to extend proactive support for the SIDS Operational Strategy and Global Priorities – Africa and Gender Equality.

Pakistan’s re-election is a testament to its longstanding support for and constructive role at the United Nations. Pakistan will continue to work with all Member States to strengthen UNESCO’s mandate and advance our shared goals.

Paris, 15 November 2023

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Independence Day Celebrations

Embassy of Pakistan

France

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Press Release

Independence Day Celebrations

Paris: August 14, 2023

An impressive flag hoisting ceremony at the Embassy of Pakistan marked the 76th Independence Day celebrations in France. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad raised the Pakistani flag to the tune of the national anthem in the presence of distinguished members of the community, Embassy officials, friends and families including a large number of children. The messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.

Congratulating the compatriots on the Independence Day, the Ambassador noted that such occasions were not only joyous but momentous as they provided the link between the past, present and the future, and thus an opportunity for collective national reflection.

It was the visionary leadership and indefatigable efforts of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah that led to an independent homeland for Muslims, underlined the Ambassador while paying tribute to the Father of the Nation and other leaders of the freedom movement. He also paid homage to the immense sacrifice of our forefathers for the creation of Pakistan. That spirit of sacrifice continues to inspire the succeeding generations who have made the defence and security of Pakistan impregnable and one of the best in the world.

Appreciating the tremendous capabilities and hard work of Pakistani men and women, the Ambassador recalled how in the face of enormous challenges and lack of resources, the young nation had made great strides in all fields.

Also at the international stage, Pakistan held an important place among the comity of nations, playing its due role for the promotion of regional and global peace and development. Pakistan enjoys close cooperative relations with a wide circle of friends and partners around the world, including France.

Ambassador Ahmad emphasized that while celebrating independence, it was also our duty to reiterate our firm commitment and all out support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters to realize their right to self-determination and freedom from illegal Indian occupation.

Going forward, the entire nation must work together – in unity, faith and discipline – for a stronger, prosperous and democratic Pakistan for our future generations to fully realize their aspirations. Pakistan was a gift of Allah for which we are thankful, and would safeguard this trust with utmost responsibility, stressed the Ambassador.

In this regard the Ambassador lauded the role and services of overseas Pakistanis and hoped that the dynamic Pakistani community in France will continue to contribute to strengthening Pak-France relations and bring more laurels to their motherland. He also praised the role of women and youth in national development.

The colourful Independence Day program included national songs, speeches and captivating tableau by children. The guests also enjoyed national songs and traditional Pakistani food.

The Ambassador also presented letters of appreciation to Pakistani poets and authors based in France in recognition of their recently published works in Urdu and Punjabi.

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