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Embassy of Pakistan

(France)

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Press Release

Paris; October 15, 2021

Mr. Shehryar Afridi, Chairman Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, was Chief Guest at a Kashmir event held here yesterday evening.

A large number of expatriates belonging to Pakistani and Kashmiri communities attended the event. Charge d’Affaires Mr. Muhammed Amjad Aziz Qazi and other officers of the Embassy were also present.

While addressing the gathering, Mr. Afridi highlighted the gross human rights violations committed by Indian occupation forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) and urged Pakistanis and Kashmiris living in France to raise the Kashmir dispute at all forums in the country.

He also apprised the audience of various steps taken recently by the Parliamentary Committee on  Kashmir through involving international universities, media, cultural personalities, IT professionals, think tanks, civil society, faith leaders, human rights activists as well as legal experts for effectively projecting the Kashmir cause at the world stage.

Speaking at the occasion, Charge d’Affaires appreciated Pakistani and Kashmiri communities in France, which have always been forthcoming in highlighting the Kashmir dispute through various activities regularly.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Shehryar Afridi visited the Embassy and discussed with Charge d’ Affaires and officers of the Mission ways and means for promoting the Kashmir cause in France. He also emphasized that Pakistani community in France should be facilitated to the maximum extent, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

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Embassy of Pakistan

France

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Press Release

Paris; August 14, 2021

Pakistan’s 75^th Independence Day celebrated in Paris

Flag hoisting ceremony was held at Pakistan Embassy, France to commemorate the  Independence Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in simple yet dignified manner here today. Charge d’Affaires Mr. Abbas Sarwar Qureshi raised the Pakistani flag to the tune of national anthem in the presence of members of the Pakistani community, Embassy officials and their families.

The messages of the President and Prime Minister were read out on the occasion. Both the leaders paid rich tribute to founding fathers for their vision, impeccable leadership and immense sacrifices of the Muslims of sub-continent to achieve a separate homeland. While expressing solidarity with the Kashmiri, the leadership underscored that we should not forget our Kashmiri brothers and sisters in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), struggling for their right to self-determination under extremely adverse circumstances marked by illegal Indian occupation and unspeakable repression. They reassured that Pakistan will continue to extend its full support to the Kashmiris in their just cause.

In his remarks Charge d’Affaires shed light on the inspiring life of Quaid-e-Azam and said that all Pakistanis need to work actively for the prosperity of their homeland in accordance with Quaid’s vision.

While highlighting the achievements of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government, he said that timely and effective Covid-19 response strategy has been appreciated by the world. With the blessings of Allah Almighty Pakistan remained protected from the worst effects of the pandemic. He urged the Pakistani community in France to excel in all fields and project positive image of Pakistan through their conduct.

Mr. Qureshi highlighted that Pakistan’s positive contribution in promoting global peace and security. He also underscored the vibrant role Pakistan’s women and youth are playing in the development and progress of the country.

The event included poetry recitation by children and certificate distribution among the participants.

On the occasion, the Embassy also arranged a photo exhibition showcasing the vibrant culture, landscape and history of Pakistan. While inaugurating the exhibition Charge d’Affaires said that Pakistan has immense potential for tourism and has been a welcome destination for tourists from across the world.

The ceremony concluded with the prayer for continued progress of Pakistan.

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سفارت خانہ پاکستان
فرانس
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پیرس 14 اگست، 2021

پریس ریلیز

پیرس میں پاکستان کا یوم آزادی منایا گیا

اسلامی جمہوریہ پاکستان کے یوم آزادی کی مناسبت سے سادہ مگر پُروقار انداز میں پرچم کشائی کی تقریب آج پاکستان کے سفارت خانہ میں منعقد ہوئی۔قائم مقام سفیر جناب عباس سرور قریشی نے پاکستانی کمیونٹی کے ارکان، سفارت خانہ کے افسران اور ان کے اہل خانہ کی موجودگی میں قومی ترانے کی دھن پرپاکستانی پرچم بلند کیا۔
اس موقع پر صدر اور وزیراعظم کے پیغامات پڑھ کر سنائے گئے۔ دونوں رہنماؤں نے بابائے قوم کو ان کی بصیرت، بے مثال قیادت اور برصغیر کے مسلمانوں کی علیحدہ وطن کے حصول کے لیے بے پناہ قربانیوں کے لیے بھرپور خراج تحسین پیش کیا۔ کشمیریوں کے ساتھ اظہار یکجہتی کرتے ہوئے، انہوں نے اس بات پر زور دیا کہ ہمیں جموں وکشمیر (آئی او او جے کے) میں بھارت کے غیر قانونی تسلط میں قید اپنے کشمیری بھائیوں اور بہنوں کو فراموش نہیں کرنا چاہیے، جو کہ انتہائی ناگفتہ بہ حالات میں اپنے حق خود ارادیت کے لیے جدوجہد کر رہے ہیں۔ انہوں نے یقین دلایا کہ پاکستان کشمیریوں کی ان کے منصفانہ مقصد میں مکمل حمایت جاری رکھے گا۔
قائم مقام سفیر نے اپنے خیالات کا اظہار کرتے ہوئے قائد اعظم کی متاثر کن زندگی پر روشنی ڈالی اور کہا کہ تمام پاکستانیوں کوعظیم قائد کے خیالات کے مطابق وطن کی خوشحالی کے لیے تندہی سے کام کرنے کی ضرورت ہے۔
وزیر اعظم عمران خان کی حکومت کی کامیابیوں پر روشنی ڈالتے ہوئے، انہوں نے کہا کہ دنیا بھر میں کوویڈ 19 کے لیے پاکستان کی بروقت اور موثر حکمت عملی کو سراہا گیا ہے۔ اللہ تعالی کے فضل سے پاکستان اس وبائی مرض کے بدترین اثرات سے محفوظ رہا۔ انہوں نے فرانس میں مقیم پاکستانی کمیونٹی پر زور دیا کہ وہ تمام شعبوں میں اپنے آپ کو نمایاں کریں اور اپنے طرز عمل کے ذریعے پاکستان کی مثبت تصویر پیش کریں۔
قائم مقام سفیر نے عالمی امن اور سلامتی کے فروغ میں پاکستان کے مثبت کردار کو اجاگر کیا۔ علاوہ ازیں انہوں نے ملک کی ترقی میں پاکستان کی خواتین اور نوجوانوں کے مثبت کردار کو سراہا۔
تقریب میں پاکستانی بچوں نے ملی نغمے پیش کیے جس کے بعد شرکاء میں تعریفی اسناد تقسیم کی گئیں۔ اس موقع پر سفارتخانہ نے پاکستان کی تاریخ و ثقافت اور دلکش مناظر پر مبنی تصوریری نمائش کا اہتمام بھی کیا۔ نمائش کا افتتاح کرتے ہوئے قائم مقام سفیر نے کہا کہ پاکستان میں سیاحت کے بے پناہ امکانات ہیں اور یہ دنیا بھر کے سیاحوں کے لیے ایک نعمت سے کم نہیں۔
تقریب کا اختتام پاکستان کی خوشحالی کے لیے دعا کے ساتھ ہوا۔

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Embassy of Pakistan

(France)

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Press Release

Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir seminar in Paris

Paris; August 5, 2021

A seminar was organized at the Embassy of Pakistan here today to observe the Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir marking the completion of two years since Indian illegal and unilateral action of altering the internationally recognized special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Members of French civil society and media as well as Pakistani and Kashmiri communities in Paris attended the event.

Charge d’Affaires a.i. Mr. Abbas Sarwar Qureshi emphasized that during the last two years residents of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have been subject to unprecedented form of human rights abuses like extra judicial killings, enforced disappearances, communication blockade, as well as suffocating curfews. But, he said, no repression can crush the determination of the Kashmiri people.

While highlighting the illegal actions of Indian government taken on August 5, 2019, he said that by allowing Hindus to settle down in the disputed territory, India is changing the demographic status of IIOJK in an effort to reduce Kashmiris to a minority in their own homeland.

Mr. Qureshi thanked the EU MPs for writing a letter highlighting the plight of Kashmiri people and urged the international community to play its role in the resolution of Kashmir dispute as per the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people and in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions.

He reiterated the commitment of government of Pakistan in supporting the Kashmiris in their just struggle and legitimate right to self-determination, in accordance with international law, UN Charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions and mentioned that Prime Minister Imran Khan considers himself as an ambassador of the Kashmiri people.

Expressing his views on the occasion French journalist Mr. Paul Comiti shared his experience of visiting Azad Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 and said that he was pleased to see that people in AJK were leading a life of security and freedom. The situation there seemed to be in marked contrast to what was happening in IIOJK.

He said every society needs hope to survive, and it is the responsibility of the international community not to let hope of the people of IIOJK die down in the face of India’s illegal occupation and continued aggression.

Other speakers of seminar also criticized the Indian government for its illegal actions of August 5, 2019 and showed support and solidarity for Kashmiris in their just struggle for right to self-determination.

A documentary showcasing the atrocities committed in IIOJK since August 5, 2019 was shown to the audience and messages of President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were read out.

On this occasion, a photographic exhibition was also held at the chancery, in which historical photographs of the Kashmir struggle against Indian military siege were put on display.

Officials wore black arm bands. The ceremony was held following strict Covid-19 SOPs issued by the French government.

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Embassy of Pakistan

(France)

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PRESS RELEASE

Pakistan Day celebrated in France

Paris; March 23, 2021

Pakistan’s flag was hoisted at a ceremony held at  Pakistan Embassy in Paris this morning to celebrate Pakistan Day. Participation at the event was restricted due to recent lockdown imposed by the French government in view of the ongoing third wave of Covid-19.

Messages of President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.

In his remarks Charge d’Affaires. Mr. M. Amjad Aziz Qazi said this day changed the course of history as Muslims of the Indian subcontinent adopted a resolution demanding a separate homeland for themselves under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah at the annual session of All-India Muslim League on 23 March 1940.

He said on this day we pay homage to the Quaid and other leaders of Pakistan movement who made Pakistan a reality in just seven years after passing of the resolution. He also said that path showed by Quaid continues now under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan to make Pakistan an Islamic democratic welfare state on the model of Riasat-e-Madina.

He also said this day Pakistan reaffirms its support to the brothers and sisters of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir who continue to face Indian military siege. He emphasized that Pakistan will continue to provide political, diplomatic and moral support to the Kashimiri people until they get their right of self determination as per UNSC resolutions.

Mr. Qazi told Pakistani community in France that in the evening today a virtual open house will be held in which Charge d’Affaires will interact with members and children of the Pakistani community via video link.

The Embassy of Pakistan also arranged a virtual exhibition of the photos of natural beauty and culture of Pakistan at the Embassy’s website.

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Embassy of Pakistan

(France)

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Press Release

Kashmir Black Day observed in France

Paris; October 27, 2020: A special event was organized at the Embassy here today to observe the Kashmir Black Day. Members of French civil society and media as well as Pakistani community in Paris attended the event.

Charge d’Affaires, a.i. Mr. M. Amjad Aziz Qazi highlighted the significance of this day noting that 73 years ago Indian security forces landed in Srinagar to illegally occupy the territory and subjugate the people of Jammu and Kashmir in clear violation of international law and humanitarian norms. International media and human rights organizations continue to document the gross human rights violations committed by India in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr. Qazi especially highlighted the illegal actions of Indian government taken on August 5, 2019, under which the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was revoked. He also said that illegal and unilateral Indian actions are in violation of international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

He also stressed that Pakistan will continue to support the Kashmiris in their just struggle and legitimate right to self-determination, in accordance with international law, UN Charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

At the same time, a Photographic Exhibition was also held, in which photographs showing the plight of Kashmiris who are under Indian military siege were put on display. Photographs of a French journalist, Ms. Benedicte Van der Maar were also exhibited. Her photographs were taken last year during a visit to Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The photographs depicted the destruction and injuries suffered by civilians because of Indian shelling and ceasefire violations across the Line of Control.

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Press Release

BIE trainers impart 2-day training to TDAP officials

Paris; September 29, 2020: The Bureau of International Exhibitions (BIE) started a two-day online interactive training of officials of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) covering all facets of BIE, preparing Pakistani officials to participate in the international expos including next year’s Dubai Expo in the most useful way.

In his opening remarks Mr. Dmitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the organization said BIE is an intergovernmental organization of 169 states which was created through a Convention relating to international exhibitions signed in Paris in November 1928. It arranges international expos and specialized expos all over the world.

He informed that this is the first capacity building program that BIE has designed for its member states. It took more than a year in designing the course and Pakistan is the first country to benefit from the newly designed modules, he informed.

Mr. Kerkentzes briefed the participants about BIE and outlined the theme of the training. He said that Expos are unique global events, which are among world’s largest gatherings, bringing together governments, businesses, international organizations, civil society, and the general public. Addressing themes of global concern, Expos maintain a high profile and credibility among international events.

Secretary TDAP Mr. Ahsan Ali Mangi said that TDAP’s role is to promote trade in Pakistan and assist local businesses in accessing international markets. He said the exchange of ideas and experiences would immensely help the country and its traders and manufactures to learn from international best practices.

Expressing his views in the inaugural session, Charge d’Affaires a.i. Mr.  M. Amjad Aziz Qazi thanked BIE for arranging this training. We have always participated in BIE activities and played an important role in its various initiatives, he said.

Mr. Qazi said that with this training program a step has been taken towards cementing our already friendly ties and expressed the confidence that this will equip TDAP and its officers for effective participation in international Expos and Specialized World Expos. It will also help them organize their own events in a more professional manner, he added.

Pakistan has been an active member of BIE since becoming a member in 2007. Dr. Moin Wani, Commercial Counsellor of Pakistan Embassy in France is currently chairing the Rules Committee, which is one of the four committees of BIE. Prior to that he was heading BIE’s Information Committee.

Initially the BIE team had planned to go to Pakistan for this training but due to Covid-19 restrictions, it is now being conducted online, which has been divided into five segments relating to country branding, multilateral public diplomacy opportunities, participation procedure, developing a brand statement, impact evaluation of participation and Customs/Logistics, in addition to several others.

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