Announcements

DEFENCE DAY – TRIBUTE TO HEROS AND MARTYRS

EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN, PARIS, FRANCE

PRESS RELEASE

Paris September 5, 2024

Subject: ​DEFENCE DAY – TRIBUTE TO HEROS AND MARTYRS
Pakistan Embassy, Paris hosted a reception to commemorate the Defence and Martyrs Day of Pakistan. The event was attended by members of Parliament, Ambassadors, Defence Attaches, dignitaries from French Armed Forces, Foreign Affairs, Defence industry and think tank representatives.
In his welcome remarks Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad thanked the guests for joining noting that their presence marked the bonds of friendship and cooperation with Pakistan.
He said that 6th September was a reminder of the exemplary courage, indomitable will, spirit of unmatched sacrifice and bravery of the armed forces and the people of Pakistan. All nations honour their heroes, and broadly speaking, such commemorations are homage to all those men and women who fight for the right cause and defend their homelands.
The Ambassador paid tributes to Defence Forces and martyrs of Pakistan. He mentioned that Pakistan does not harbour any aggressive designs against any country, but we are today supremely placed to effectively defend against any foreign aggression at any level and scale.
He mentioned Pakistan’s contributions for regional and global peace and stability especially under UN peacekeeping missions. The Ambassador highlighted that Pakistan has also been a key partner in the international community’s collective efforts in counter terrorism.
He stressed upon the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict and instability. He advocated the benefits of dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law. Further, he mentioned that pacific settlement of disputes in accordance with the UN Charter was a corner stone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. A just and peaceful solution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and the wishes of the Kashmiri people was imperative for durable peace and stability in South Asia, and for unlocking the full development potential of our region.
Pakistan expected the responsible members of the international community to play their due role in promoting a peaceful resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in line with international legitimacy and UNSC resolutions, to enable the Kashmiri people exercise their inalienable right to self-determination that was promised to them by the UN and the international community. Similarly, Pakistan stood in complete solidarity with the Palestinian people in their just struggle against illegal occupation and for the right to self-determination and statehood. Speaking of Pak-France multi-faceted bilateral relationship, including longstanding defence ties, the Ambassador affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further advance this partnership for mutual benefit.
He underlined that Pakistan believed in forging partnerships and strengthening international cooperation across the board in pursuit of shared objectives of global peace, security and development. Pakistan shall continue to work together with all its friends and partners in this collective endeavour.
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5 September 2024 in Announcements, Latest news, Non classé, Press Releases

Independence Day Celebrations of Pakistan – 14 August 2024

EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN, PARIS, FRANCE

(INFORMATION SECTION)

PRESS RELEASE

Paris August 14, 2024

Subject: Independence Day Celebrations of Pakistan – 14 August 2024

On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad hoisted national flag to the tune of the national anthem at the Embassy of Pakistan, Paris and welcomed distinguished members of the community and French friends including large number of children.

The messages of the President, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.

The Ambassador noted that 14th August was truly auspicious as it brought together the entire nation – in celebration, in paying homage to the Quaid-e-Azam and other leaders of the freedom movement, in remembrance of the supreme sacrifices of our forefathers, in honoring our heroes and drawing inspiration from our glorious past and the tremendous achievements over the decades. It was also a moment of reflection, of recognizing the challenges confronting us and seizing the immense opportunities presented to us.

Congratulating all on the Independence Day, the Ambassador said that we needed to draw guidance from the words of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah when he said “If we want to make this great State of Pakistan happy and prosperous, we should wholly and solely concentrate on the well-being of the people, especially of the masses and the poor”. All segments of the society in particular women and youth had an important role to play in national development. He emphasized the value of collective and individual responsibility in upholding and promoting the image and prestige of Pakistan. Praising national hero Arshad Nadeem’s Olympics gold medal, he noted how the accomplishment of an individual can bring immense joy and pride for the nation and project the country’s name world-wide.

Ambassador Ahmad emphasized that as we celebrate our freedom we must not forget our Kashmiri and Palestinian brothers and sisters, who have been struggling for over seven decades against illegal occupation and oppression. Pakistan reaffirmed its complete solidarity and full support for the people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine for their freedom and right to self-determination.

Further, the Ambassador highlighted that Pakistan enjoys close cooperative relations with France and looked forward to Pakistani diaspora for further cementing the bond of friendship between the two countries. “We are proud of your hard work and accomplishments and consider you as true Ambassadors of Pakistan”, he said.

The Ambassador noted that Pakistan stood tall and proud in the comity of nations with significant contributions towards shared objectives of global peace, security and development. We, all Pakistanis, inside or outside Pakistan are committed to serve our country to the fullest. May the national flag always fly high as a symbol of peace, prosperity and progress!

Later, the guests enjoyed tableau prepared by children, national songs and traditional Pakistani food.

 

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16 August 2024 in Announcements, Latest news, Press Releases

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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27 March 2024 in Announcements, Latest news

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

23 March 2024 in Announcements, Latest news

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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13 March 2024 in Announcements, Latest news, Press Releases