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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Press Release – 21 July 2023

Embassy of Pakistan 
France 
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Press Release 
Paris; July 21, 2023
Participants of 118th National Management Course at the National School of Public Policy (NSPP), currently on a study tour to France, visited Pakistan Embassy Paris today. 
Participants held an interactive session with Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad and were briefed about various aspects of Pakistan France relations.  
Giving an overview of bilateral relations spread over 75 years, the Ambassador said that Pakistan and France share a long-standing friendship, rooted in mutual respect and co-operation. Both nations have collaborated in various fields, including culture, education, trade, security and defense. We are committed to further enhancing our bilateral ties and exploring new avenues of partnership for the mutual benefit of our two countries, he added. 
The delegation is being led by Director General (Admn)/Directing Staff (FST), NMC Mr. Nadeem Mahbub. Participants, belonging to various service groups, included Dr. Faisal Zahoor, Mr. Irfan Javed, Mr. Muhammad Jamil Bhatti, Mr. Naseeruddin Sarwar, Ms. Nabeela Umer, Mr. K.K. Ahsan Wagan, Mr. Muhammad Amir Butt and Mr. Arshad. 
Ambassador also hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting delegation at the Pakistan House.
The delegation will have briefings at various French government departments and interactions with private sector. 
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Press Release- 28 June 2023

Embassy of Pakistan 
Paris
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Press Release
Paris, 28 June 2023
Pakistan was elected as a Member of the Executive Council of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission at UNESCO headquarters in Paris today.
Pakistan attaches great importance to sustainable management of oceans, preservation of marine resources and international cooperation on effective warning systems for ocean related hazards. We hope to work with member states and the scientific community for our collective benefit and to attain Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 of the 2030 Agenda: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. The IOC will also coordinate the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030, the “Ocean Decade”.
The Executive Council of the IOC consists of 40 Member States. The Executive Council meets every year to review issues and items from on-going work plans, and make preparations for the IOC Assembly.
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Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis interacts with Pakistani community in France

Embassy of Pakistan 
France 
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PRESS RELEASE 
Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis interacts with Pakistani community in France
Paris: June 14, 2023 
Pakistan Business Forum France marked its second anniversary with an event held in Paris last night, which was graced by Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis, as chief guest. A large number of community members from all walks of life participated and availed the opportunity to discuss matters pertaining to the Pakistani diaspora. 
During his address, the Minister expressed the government’s strong commitment, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to address any challenges faced by the overseas Pakistanis. 
The Minister appreciated the valuable contribution of overseas Pakistanis towards country’s development and recognized them as an asset for the country. He announced the establishment of a dedicated desk within his office to facilitate the needs and concerns of overseas Pakistanis. 
The Minister said that overseas Pakistanis desk at airports would be made more effective, ensuring a pleasant experience for those arriving or departing from the country. He acknowledged the issues faced by Pakistani diaspora in this part of the world due to non availability of PIA flights and assured the community that all efforts were being undertaken to resolve the issue at the earliest.
The Minister noted that the recently presented Budget for the year 2023-24 reflected the priority accorded to the needs and aspirations of the diaspora. He emphasized that all Pakistanis respect state institutions and have profound admiration for the sacrifices made by the armed forces and shuhada (martyrs).
In his remarks, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad reaffirmed Embassy’s support for the community recalling the open-door policy for all members of the community. We take pride in the remarkable achievements of the community members and acknowledge their significant contributions towards development of France and Pakistan and promotion of friendly relations. 
Sardar Zahoor Iqbal, Chairman, Pakistan Business Forum France, presented a review of the Forum’s work during last two years, highlighting its achievements and future plans. He expressed the Forum’s vision to expand its activities to other European countries, transforming it into a potent voice representing the interests of overseas Pakistanis in the field of business. 
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