Press Releases

[quote style=”1″]Pakistani Artists living abroad has a unique angle and approach towards Arts [/quote]

Embassy of Pakistan, Paris arranged an exhibition of renowned Canadian-Pakistani artist Fahim Hamid Ali here this evening. Speaking on the occasion, the Ambassador of Pakistan to France H.E Mr. Ghalib Iqbal said that he had observed as a Diplomat working in different countries that Pakistani artists living abroad had a unique angle and approach towards arts. He paid glowing tributes to the canvas and variety of the subjects that the artist had dealt with. He said that where-ever Faheem’s art goes, the name of Pakistan travels with him. Mr. Fahim himself spoke about his inspirations, his journey towards perfection, the subjects he dealt with and his future plans. The Ambassador of Sri Lanka in France H.E. MR. Tilak Ranaviraja, who himself is a painter, attended the exhibition as special guest. He also spoke on the occasion. He appreciated the work of the artist and felicitated the embassy of Pakistan in Paris for holding this exhibition.

Mr. Fahim Hamid Ali emerged on the art scene about two decades ago when he started his first exhibitions.  Gradually, he expanded the horizons of his work concentrating on images from his culture and roots. He does not limit his expressions to calligraphy alone. He paints landscapes, still life and Mughal miniature. Despite working in various directions, the work remains that of Ali. His signature is obvious through his corded lines. He creates stain glass painting effects on canvas with his thick lines.

Soon Ali earned a name in stain glass painting. Ali remains busy painting, decorating homes and holding exhibitions around the world. His successful exhibition at the Lionel Gallery in June 1996 was talk of the town for some time. He met another success when he exhibited his figurative works and Islamic calligraphy in mixed media at Singapore in 1998.

In Canada, he held his first solo exhibition showcasing floral designs, landscapes and calligraphy in mixed media at a private residence in March 1999. Now Ali is a known name in the art circles of Toronto. He is specially asked by the art galleries there to lend his works for display and sales. The Pakistan Canada Association asks him to participate in its multicultural festivals.

Ali is a profound believer in communication. For the purpose, he has chosen an international language of form, colour and line. He generally works in mixed media on paper and canvas. He also is at ease with the wash painting technique where he works with liquid oil paints flowing like water. He seldom uses a brush; instead, he uses his finger to paint. He does not confine himself to a specific technique. He works with freedom of thought, and medium. That gives him an opportunity to also use defined strokes and accidental textures in his work. A play with colour makes the end result a visual pleasure.

In the last five years, Ali has been experimenting at various levels. He created pottery as a base for his script. His hand-painted pots made headlines in the country’s news. Then as an experiment he wrote Arabic in vertical lines. Throughout his career as an artist, he has been traveling around the world. Wild life is another filed where he excels. With love of nature, innate in character, he has a mastery over presentation of wild life in impressionistic technique. Over the years, Ali has also done thematic paintings. He has also painted on the French Revolution and Sultan, a historical hero of the sub-continent. The best thing about Ali’s work is that he is always experimenting with something new. Ali’s interior designing is unique, as he likes to create harmony through new ideas. He believes in breathing life into every comer of the house he is working on.

Large number of French art lovers, diplomats, intellectuals, public figures and journalists witnessed the exhibition and appreciated his work.

[quote style=”1″ author=”H.E. Mr. Ghalib Iqbal”]The volume of trade between Pakistan and France has increased by 13% in the last one year[/quote]

The Ambassador of Pakistan to France, Mr. Ghalib Iqbal has asked Pakistani Community in France to invest liberally in their home country by taking advantage of opportunities offered by the Government of Pakistan as well as European Union. He was addressing the flag hoisting ceremony on the occasion of Independence Day of Pakistan here this morning. He said that due to the improvement of bilateral investment and trade environment, the efforts of the Mission and participation of Pakistani Community in France, the volume of trade between Pakistan and France has increased by 13% in the last one year. A Special guest Raja Shaukat Aziz Bhatti, Member of Punjab Provincial Assembly also spoke on the occasion.

[textblock style=”1″]People of Pakistan have become a symbol of resistance against terrorism by virtue of their bravery, persistence and resilience which they exhibited during years of their struggle. [/textblock]

Speaking about Pakistan’s war on terror the Ambassador said that people of Pakistan have become a symbol of resistance against terrorism by virtue of their bravery, persistence and resilience which they exhibited during years of their struggle. He asked Pakistani Community to become part of mainstream life of their host country so that they could put themselves in a vantage position to represent Pakistan in a meaningful way. He appreciated the community for their cooperation with the Mission in all circumstances and assured that the Mission will stand by them in any difficulty.

[quote style=”1″]Foreign Remittances sent home by Pakistani expatriates have been providing much needed relief to the Country[/quote]

Raja Shaukat Aziz Bhatti, MPA Punjab Assembly said in his speech that Foreign Remittances sent home by Pakistani expatriates have been providing much needed relief to the foreign exchange reserves at home. At many difficult moments in our economic history, these remittances have played the role of oxygen to the country, therefore the Government places them at very high place and feels itself committed to solve their problems on top priority. He said that the present Government was giving high priority to protect the rights of women and giving them equal opportunities in all walks of life. He further said that the Government was going all out for the completion of CPEC, which is the future of Pakistan and will prove to be a game changer for the whole region.

Earlier, the Ambassador hoisted the National Flag while National Anthem was played. Mr. Ammar Amin, Head of Chancellery read out the messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan for the people of Pakistan issued on this occasion.

The members of Pakistani Community in large numbers and the officers and the staff of the embassy attended the ceremony.

On this occasion, a nine member delegation of disabled persons from Pakistan arrived in Paris and participated in the ceremony. This delegation is in France to attend a four yearly skill competition held in French city of Bordeaux. The delegation met the ambassador and the members of the community.

Members of Disabled Team Group Photo with the Ambassador

Later in the evening, the Ambassador host a reception for diplomatic community. Senator Pascal Allizard, chairman Pak-France Friendship Group in French Senate was the Chief Guest, who cut the cake along with the Ambassador to mark the occasion. Apart from him, Senators Cyril Pellevat and Jacky Deromedi, the members of Pak-France Friendship Group in French Senate also attended the reception and cake cutting ceremony. The

reception was also attended by Diplomats, Intellectuals, Researchers, Members of French Media, Scholars and Others, apart from Pakistani Origin French Nationals.

[quote style=”1″] Holding of this Christmas Dinner is not only a gesture of solidarity with our French friends, but also with Pakistani Christians living in France.[/quote]

A grand Christmas Gala and book launching was held by the Embassy here this evening. It was first ever Christmas related event that was held by the Embassy of Pakistan here in Paris. Senator Jean-Claude Boulard was the Chief Guest of the event. Speaking on the occasion, the ambassador of Pakistan in France Mr. Ghalib Iqbal said that holding of this Christmas Dinner is not only a gesture of solidarity with our French friends, but also with Pakistani Christians living in France.

[notice]Minorities are free to go to their mosques or temples. Religion of a citizen has nothing to do with the affairs of the state. [/notice]

During his speech the ambassador highlighted the basic principles of the rights given to Pakistani minorities by its constitution. He quoted from Quaid e Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah who unequivocally declared that minorities are free to go to their mosques or temples. Religion of a citizen has nothing to do with the affairs of the state. He said that by holding this event we are sending a message across that we share the moments of joy and festivity with our Christian brethren. He said that Pakistan has been fighting terrorism and extremism with all its commitment and might. He reminded that Pakistan has lost thousands of lives and has suffered losses of billions to its economy in this war.

On this occasion, at ambassador’s announcement, one-minute silence was observed to express solidarity with the victims of recent terror attacks in Paris.

The leaders of Pakistani Christians community in France also spoke on the occasion. They appreciated and expressed their gratitude of the embassy for holding this event. Variety of Pakistani foods was served to the guests. National anthems of Pakistan and France were played. Christmas songs were presented by the children, women and elders together. Senator Jean-Claude Boulard also spoke on the occasion. He appreciated the holding of this dinner. He acknowledged the sacrifices of Pakistan in eliminating terrorism and extremism. He also spoke about strong bilateral relations between France and Pakistan and expressed his confidence that they will continue to grow further in coming days.

[notice]This beautiful book containing the photographs of some majestic and historic churches of Pakistan is our gift to the whole Christian World. [/notice]

Later, the French version of “Churches of Pakistan”, a book about the churches of Pakistan was launched. Originally, this book was published in English. Senator Jean-Claude Boulard, Ambassador Ghalib Iqbal, Bishop Cardinal Pascal Gallnisch and Francois Piccard of France 24 TV cut the inaugural tape. The ambassador said that this beautiful book containing the photographs of some majestic and historic churches of Pakistan is our gift to the whole Christian World. The Senator and other guests were over-joyed by the presentation of the book. The event was largely attended by members of Christian community living in France, notables from various walks of French life, media and officers and staff of the embassy.    ​

[quote style=”1″]I am really sad to hear about the terror attacks in France. The brutal attack by the terrorist is tragedy. [/quote]

November 17, 2015: The Prime Minister of Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited the Embassy of Republic of France in Islamabad today. He was received by the French Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Mrs. Martine DORANCE. 

The Prime Minister shared his views on the sad terrorist incident, passed heartfelt condolences and expressed solidarity with the Government and People of France. While recording his statement in the Condolence Book placed at the French Embassy the Prime Minister wrote:-

[quote style=”1″ author=”signed”]I am really sad to hear about the terror attacks in France. The brutal attack by the terrorist is tragedy. We are raising voice against this incident. We had been victim of similar attacks in our country.However by the grace of God we gradually got rid of this menace. We have launched comprehensive and successful operation against terrorist. We always condemn all kind of terrorism wherever it happens and we are ready to play our role and to provide whatever we can so that the whole mankind could be saved from this menace. [/quote]