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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