Announcements

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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16 November 2023 in Announcements, Latest news, Press Releases

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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14 August 2023 in Announcements, Latest news, Press Releases

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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24 July 2023 in Announcements, Latest news

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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29 June 2023 in Announcements, Latest news

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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14 June 2023 in Announcements, Latest news

Press Release – 27 May 2023

Embassy of Pakistan, Paris 
Press Release
Paris; May 27, 2023
Senator Sherry Rehman, Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Management represented Pakistan in the High Level Event (HLE) to End Plastic Pollution hosted by the French Government at UNESCO, Paris on 27 May 2023, ahead of the second session of the Inter-governmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.
Minister Rehman elaborated Pakistan’s perspective on promoting sustainable use of plastics to achieve a circular economy by minimizing waste, reducing consumption and promoting the reuse, recycling and recovery of materials.
The Minister stressed the need to create opportunities for investment in sustainable technologies to address environmental and health impacts related to plastic pollution. In this regard, she underlined the importance of transfer of technology to developing countries.
Speaking as a Panelist at Leadership Dialogue during the High Level Event, the Minister called for concrete, real and comprehensive action driven by better compliance to address plastic pollution. She underlined that recycling alone would not solve the problem. Greater focus was required on collection. There was also a need to introduce anti-dumping penalties. It was also important for the MNCs to assume responsibility. The Minister called for enhanced R&D on alternatives to retail use plastic for safe, lightweight and affordable options.
The Minister underlined a 7 R (Reduce Redesign Re-use Recycle Responsibility Research Resource) Action Agenda.
On the sidelines of the HLE, Minister Sherry Rehman also held meeting with Mr. Christophe Béchu, Minister for Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion of France, besides interactions with several of her counterparts including from Norway, Ecuador, Romania and Antigua and Barbuda. She also met INC Chair Mr. Meza-Cuadra Gustavo of Peru.
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14 June 2023 in Announcements, Latest news

Pakistan Day celebrated in Paris

Embassy of Pakistan
France
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Pakistan Day celebrated in Paris

March 23, 2023

This morning, the Embassy of Pakistan Paris organized a flag hoisting ceremony to commemorate the Pakistan Day. The event was attended by officials of the Embassy as well as members of the Pakistani community residing in France. Messages of the President and Prime Minister were read out.

In his remarks, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad highlighted the significance of 23rd March 1940, when the Muslim community in the sub-continent passed the Pakistan Resolution, seeking a separate homeland where they could live according to their own culture, values, and faith.

He praised the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan’s founding father, who spearheaded the freedom movement – a political, constitutional and democratic struggle, that led to the emergence of Pakistan.

He emphasized the importance of unity and persistent hard work to achieve the desired objectives of progress and prosperity.

The ceremony was followed by cultural performances by children and national songs.

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26 March 2023 in Announcements, Latest news, Non classé

Kashmir Solidarity Day observed in France

Embassy of Pakistan

(France)

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PRESS RELEASE

Kashmir Solidarity Day observed in France

Paris; February 5, 2023 

Pakistan Embassy Paris arranged an event to mark the Kashmir Solidarity Day, which was attended by a large number of people belonging to the Pakistani and Kashmiri community. 

Messages of the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion and a documentary was screened, which highlighted atrocities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Expressing solidarity with the people of IIOJK, speakers condemned the human rights violations being committed by the Indian occupation forces and called upon the United Nations and the international community to play their role in resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Mr. Asim Iftikhar Ahmad paid tribute to the commitment and sacrifice of the Kashmiri people for their just cause of attaining self-determination. The entire Pakistani nation stands with their Kashmiri brethren and it is our firm belief that one day the people of Kashmir will succeed in securing freedom from the oppression and illegal occupation of the Indian military.

He appreciated the active role being played by the Pakistani and Kashmiri community living in France for supporting the cause of Kashmir.

An exhibition of photographs and illustrations highlighting the atrocities being committed by the Indian occupation forces in IIOJK was also on display at the Chancery.

Later, members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri community participated in a protest rally from Gare de l’Est till Place de la Republique in which demonstrators displayed banners and placards and delivered speeches highlighting the Kashmir dispute. 

 

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5 February 2023 in Announcements, Latest news

Message from Dr Arif Alvi, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day i.e., 5 February 2023

Message from  Dr Arif Alvi, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day i.e., 5th February 2023

Today, we observe Kashmir Solidarity Day to express Pakistan’s unflinching support for the legitimate and just struggle of the Kashmiri people for the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination. On this occasion, we pay rich tribute to the selfless sacrifices made by our Kashmiri brothers and sisters during their decades-old resistance to the Indian occupation.

We observe this day to draw the attention of the international community towards the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions which provide that the final disposition of the Jammu and Kashmir Dispute would be made in accordance with the will of the people, expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations.

Over the last 75 years, the Indian occupation forces have unleashed a reign of terror and carried out a relentless campaign to intimidate and suppress the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The presence of more than 900,000 Indian armed personnel has turned the region into an open prison. India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 in IIOJK were a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, the 4th Geneva Convention, and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. India has been consistently engaged in efforts to further entrench these illegal measures through artificial demographic changes, political engineering, economic marginalization of the local people and an assault on Kashmiri identity and culture.

It is alarming that India is undertaking demographic changes in IIOJK by bringing non-Kashmiris to settle in the valley. India’s heavy-handed approach frequently manifests itself in extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, custodial torture, enforced disappearances and the use of pellet guns in IIOJK. India has muzzled the media and incarcerated the Kashmiri leadership and defenders of human rights. These excesses and brutalities have been well-documented by several human rights organizations and international media outlets.

Today, Pakistan calls upon India to allow unfettered access to the UN and OIC observers, international media and human rights organizations to IIOJK to obtain first-hand information about the situation there, and investigate and report the human rights violations. Pakistan also urges the international community and organizations to take practical steps to hold India accountable for its gross and widespread human rights violations in IIOJK.

Pakistan has consistently maintained that a lasting solution to the Jammu and Kashmir Dispute is possible only in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people. Pakistan will continue to extend its unstinted moral, diplomatic and political support for this just cause.

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5 February 2023 in Announcements, Latest news