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[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]

Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Trainings MR. Mohammad Baleegh ur Rehman has asked UNESCO to ensure that an effective oversight is kept on those countries which are to contribute towards financing of 2030 Education Agenda Framework for Action. He said this while making a statement at UNESCO forum of the said agenda. He said that all members being the inhabitants of planet earth have embarked on an ambitious and visionary journey of hope, aspirations and good wishes, which is expected to change the world for better. He said that most important among all goals is to ensure equitable quality Education and promotion of lifelong learning opportunities.

He acknowledged that he goal is ambitious which talks of opportunities for learning, equity, quality and inclusiveness. In short, it talks of providing a balanced, a level playing field to all children and humans, at least in educating them, in equipping them with tool of knowledge and skills, enabling them to lead a better life and stay protected from menaces of extremism, crimes, poverty and other evils, he further said. He pointed out that Pakistan as a member state and as Chair of E-9 countries, has played an active role in finalizing EDUCATION 2030 – FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION. This framework is a forward looking and pragmatic document and do-able plan, he said.

He hoped and expected that while United Nations and UNESCO have an effective oversight on governments around the globe in seeing to its true implementation, an effective oversight is also kept on those countries who are to contribute as all of us know that without that adequate financing, it would not be possible to achieve the goals, unless Overseas Development Assistance, as envisaged and designed is realized.

EDUCATION 2030 – FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION is new UNESCO agenda for social development.

Earlier, he had a meeting with Director General UNESCO Irina Bokova. Ambassador of Pakistan to France Mr. Ghalib Iqbal was also present during the meeting.

[quote style=”1″]Education is at the top of these goals as being perused by us at national level, Mr. Baligh ur Rehman[/quote]

Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Trainings Mr. Baligh ur Rehman has said that Pakistan stands fully committed to the targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 of UNESCO so much so that we have declared and adopted these goals as our national development goals 2030.

[quote style=”1″]Provincial governments have been asked since 2013-14 to spend at least 25% of their budgets on education and that the Federal Government has increased its spending on education almost up to 50% from previous year.[/quote]

Education is at the top of these goals as being perused by us at national level, he remarked. He unequivocally declared that Pakistan strongly supports continued efforts of UNESCO in critically vital and important social sectors including education, culture and science. He paid glowing tributes to the UNESCO for shaping and finalizing education agenda for SDGs 2030. He further stated that provincial governments have been asked since 2013-14 to spend at least 25% of their budgets on education and that the Federal Government has increased its spending on education almost up to 50% from previous year. He reminded that Pakistan by donating US$ 10 Million to create UNESCO Malala Fund has contributed towards cause of girl’s education. He also pointed out that ending extremism has been one of the top four priorities of the government and that extremists and terrorists are losing while Malala mind-set in wining. He was making Pakistan’s National Statements at 38th Session of General Conference of UNESCO here this morning. Following is the full text of Pakistan’s National Statement as delivered on the floor of UNESCO at 38th Sessions of General Conference:
[quote style=”1″]It is indeed a privilege and a great honour to contribute to the discussion at the 38th session of the General Conference.[/quote]

While UNESCO celebrates its 70th anniversary, Pakistan admires, acknowledges and strongly supports the continued effort of UNESCO in the critically vital important sectors of education, culture and science, UNESCO’s role in shaping up and finalizing the education agenda for SDGs 2030 is truly commendable. A dynamic and strong organization has to be ever-evolving and should be reforming itself from within.
Pakistan wants to see UNESCO grow stronger and more effective. After finalizing the education agenda and adopting framework for action for SDGs 2030, now UNESCO has to prove its relevance and effectiveness through demonstrating results in its strategic areas of intervention, by not only keeping an oversight and mapping the progress towards achieving the relevant goals but has to be very effective in ensuring “financing for development” and O.D.A. targets, without which all of us know that it will remain a shattered dream.

Sustainable Development Goals 2030 are human centric targets. They talk of every child, every human being and our planet earth, without any discrimination. Pakistan fully stands committed to these goals so much so that we have declared and adopted these goals as our national development goals 2030. We have established cells at Foreign Office, Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education for SDGs which are fully functional now while remaining relevant Ministries are in the process to do the same. Our vision, strategy and plans are being aligned with or around these ambitious goals.
The current federal and provincial governments of Pakistan inherited huge problems in education with millions of children who are out of school, high dropout rate, gender disparity and low literacy rate. Within first year of the governments i.e. in 2013-2014 we saw that all the provincial government were spending around quarter of their entire budgets, yes, around 25% towards education while Federal Government revised its spending by almost 50% than previous year. The results were impressive. The number of out of school children dropped by 10%, net enrolment went up by 7% literacy rate went up by 3.5%.
Honourable Director General in her opening address made an appeal for advancing education of every child especially girls. Girl child education is very close to our hearts. Pakistan has seen those terrible times when schools especially girl schools were being blown up by terrorists. All of us know the story of Malala Yousafzai, a noble laureate now, is a towering figure and is recognized throughout the globe as icon for education especially girls education. Pakistan by donating US$ 10 million has helped create a UNESCO MALALA FUND to be utilized globally for the cause of girls education that all nations should however small your contribution is, but it should be there. All of us must be supportive of the right cause.
Here, I must also share with you that beside education, ending extremism has been one of the top four priorities of the government. Now, alhumdulillah, after impressive ongoing military operation, legislation and other measures, the extremist elements have either been taken out or are on the run. Incidents of terrorism and bomb blasts have been reduced to almost zero. The areas where schools were being blown up or evacuated is now witnessing that new schools are being built.
Extremists and terrorists have lost and Malala mind-set has won. Yesterday I witnessed the impressive ceremony for the award of UNESCO AVICENNA PRIZE FOR ETHICS IN SCIENCE. I congratulate UNESCO for duly recognizing and highlighting importance of ethics in science which is much needed. I would also like to thank the government of Islamic Republic of Iran for co-sponsoring the prize. Here I would like to congratulate the winner of the prize, DR. ZABTA KHAN SHINWARI who is an accomplished Pakistani scientist, for making us all proud of him and his achievements which are now being recognized globally.
I would also like to draw to attention to the International Convention (1970) on the protection of cultural heritage, and many of our cultural heritage items have been illegally sold abroad.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, in the end, let me emphasize that the very purpose of this august gathering is to streamline international cooperation, bring about solidarity, promote tolerance and understand and respect others’ point of view, to share good practices and synergies.
[quote style=”1″]These goals of human development cannot be achieved, even if a single nation, or country or a human being is left behind. No one should be allowed to stay behind for lack of resources or bad governance or anything else.Let us stand united for a common goal of a better future, a better world.[/quote]

[textblock style=”2″]It was for the first time that this historic monument became host to honor the Pakistan’s martyrs on War Against Terrorism.[/textblock]

Paris; October 5, 2015: An emotional crowd of school children, Pakistani community residing in France, members of French community and a vast majority of tourists gathered this evening to honor the Pakistan’s martyrs of War on Terror in an impressive ceremony organized at Arc de Triomphe. It was built by Napoleon to honor the French Soldiers fighting for the supremacy of the French Empire, and is located at the center of a dodecagonal configuration of twelve radiating avenues. It was for the first time that this historic monument became host to honor the Pakistan’s martyrs on War Against Terrorism.

The Ambassador of Pakistan to France Mr. Ghalib Iqbal laid the wreath to mark the tribute to the martyrs who laid their life for the peace of world. The ceremony marked the end of 50^th Defence Day celebrations in France.

Accompanied by the French Veterans, a large gathering marched towards the venue preceded by Pakistan, France, Joint Staff and Services flags. Amid heavy rain and wind, the crowd displayed great enthusiasm. Children and women waving flags of Pakistan and France welcomed the Ambassador and the French General of Guard Ceremony at the venue. A smartly turned out French military band played to mark the beginning of the ceremony. A veteran officer, laid wreath on the grave of Unknown Soldier to pay homage to French Martyrs.

[quote style=”1″ ]Despite being a victim of Terror, Pakistan will continue its War against Terror with the help and support of friends like France.[/quote]

The selection of French national monument to honor Pakistan’s martyrs signifies the commitment of Pakistan and France to the cause of peace and freedom of the world. Military band played the National Anthems of Pakistan and France as the Ambassador rekindled the Eternal Flame at the grave of Unknown Soldier. While recording his impressions in Visitors’ Book, the Ambassador wrote that despite being a victim of Terror, Pakistan will continue its War against Terror with the help and support of friends like France.

Paris; September 27, 2015: In collaboration with France Cricket, the Embassy of Pakistan in Paris organized a cricket tournament. Paris University Cricket Club won the trophy. The Ambassador of Pakistan to France, Mr. Ghalib Iqal was joined by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to France and Indian Deputy Head of Mission in Paris to give away Jinnah Trophy to the winning team.
[info]At this occasion the people chanted the slogans of Pakistan Zindabad and Jinnah Zindabad[/info]

Among the slogans, the Ambassador announced that the winners will be sent on a one week visit to Islamabad and given opportunity to meet the president of Pakistan. The Ambassador also announced that Holding of Jinnah Championship Trophy will now be a regular feature of France Cricket and that the winner team of next year will be given an opportunity to visit Deosai Planes and stay at a nice place, apart from their one week stay at a five-star hotel in Islamabad. The Ambassador further said that the tournament will remain an event of France Cricket and the Jinnah Trophy will become a symbol of Pak-French Friendship.
This final match was played at France Cricket Stadium of Dreux, which is a small town outside Paris. The mayor of dreux was also present there. In his address he thanked the ambassador for holding this tournament and said that it will help popularize cricket in France. France Cricket is official governing body of cricket in France. The Jinnah Championship Trophy tournament was organized under the auspices of France Cricket.

[info]The event was on officially recognized schedule of the ICC.[/info]

Sixteen best teams of Division I and II of France Cricket participated in the event. Northern Cricket and Paris University Cricket made it to the final and the later won. The teams which consist of players from all over France, include many players of South Asian origins. Large number of cricket lovers watched the matches.

The Ambassador of Pakistan to France Mr. Ghalib Iqbal has said that the people and Armed Forces of Pakistan are fully capable of defending their country against any aggression. He was speaking at the 50th Defence Day of Pakistan to commemorate the victory of Pakistan against India in 1965 War. He said that the people and Armed Forces of Pakistan have proved that they are invincible and that no external or internal power can inflict any harm upon it. He further said that today, in the same spirit, our Armed Forces backed by the people, are engaged in a war against terrorism which is dangerous and deceptive, but with courage, determination and unity we have broken the back-bone of the terrorists.

The ceremony was held in a simple but dignified manner here in the Embassy of Pakistan this evening. Floral wreaths were laid ceremoniously to commemorate the martyrs of 1965 war, war on terror and French Wars of Liberty, separately. French General d’Armee Burno Dary, General de Division Stephane OVAERE and Air Marshal Muhammad Salman laid wreaths. The National Anthems of both the countries were played. The Ambassador, French Army representatives and Defence officers of the Mission cut the cake to mark the beginning of the ceremony. Army and Naval Attache Captain Rashid Mehmood read out a special message from President of Pakistan for the occasion, while Technical Attache, Group Captain Amir Bashir read out the message of the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Defence Attache, Air Commodore Fauad Hatmi also spoke on the occasion. He said that war against terrorism is today’s War and we are fighting it and we will fight with the same resolve which we demonstrated throughout our entire history.
The day commemorates the sacrifices offered by the people and Armed Forces of Pakistan against Indian aggression in 1965. It symbolises the courage of the people of Pakistan expressed in their fight against cowardly aggression of our Eastern neighbour. It stands for professional excellence of our Armed Forces exhibited during seventeen days war, which was imposed on us by a hostile enemy. The day reminds us of our responsibilities as a Nation towards not only the defense but prosperity of our people and the country.
Apart from French Secretary Defense and National Secretary M. Louis Gautier, the officers and staff of the Embassy, diplomats and Defence Attaches of different friendly countries based in Paris, French War veterans, intellectuals, journalists and members of Pakistani community attended.