Embassy of Pakistan
(France)
***
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
***
Press Release
Paris; August 14, 2021
Pakistan’s 75th 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
*
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)
*****
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
***
PRESS RELEASE
Webinar on Roshan Digital Account for Pakistani community France
Paris; June 8, 2021
The Embassy of Pakistan France arranged a webinar on Roshan Digital Account in collaboration with Meezan Bank to provide information regarding Roshan Digital Account (RDA) to members of the Pakistani community living in France. Senior officials of State Bank of Pakistan, Central Depositary Company of Pakistan and Meezan Bank explained the modalities related to the RDA and responded to queries.
Participants were assured that investment done in RDA is not only safe but also sharia compliant. Upon completion of formalities the account is opened in just 48 hours and banks are carrying out their monitoring of the accounts on 24/7 basis. Funds can be deposited from overseas and withdrawn from Pakistan and any time can be repatriated out of Pakistan.
Charge d’Affaires a.i. Mr. Amjad Aziz Qazi thanked the management of Meezan Bank for arranging this webinar which provided valuable information to the Pakistanis living in France.
While expressing his views he said that government had won the hearts of overseas Pakistanis by taking the RDA initiative and mentioned that members of the Pakistani community in France had been looking for means to securely invest their hard-earned money in Pakistan, which was possible through RDA.
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Embassy of Pakistan
(France)
***
PRESS RELEASE
Community meeting at Pakistan Embassy France
Paris; June 4, 2021
A meeting of the Pakistani community was held at the Pakistan Embassy here today. Charge d’Affaires, a.i. Mr. M. Amjad Aziz Qazi said that as per the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Embassy is making all-out effort in serving the Pakistani community in France. Members of the Pakistani community play an important role, not only in sending valuable remittances back home, but also in creating a positive image of the country in their host countries, he added.
Mr. Qazi said that on the instructions of Prime Minister’s Office four Khuli Katcheris have been held in which complaints of the community were listened to and steps taken for their prompt redressal. He said last Friday of each month has been fixed for these meetings so that community members can plan their engagements accordingly in advance.
He emphasized that the Embassy is doing its best to facilitate the community and provision of services to the community was kept operational even during lockdown period. He informed that WhatsApp groups have been made for Pakistani students and professionals so that their issues can be resolved without delay.
He mentioned that throughout the Covid-19 pandemic support was provided to destitute community members, especially for the transportation of dead bodies to Pakistan. To facilitate the members of Pakistani community an online appointment system has been launched so that people do not have to wait for their turn. However, all those who come to the embassy without prior appointment are also entertained, he added.
Charge d’Affaires told the community members that the Roshan Digital Account initiative of the government of Pakistan has been a resounding success as more than 150,000 Pakistanis from over 170 countries have so far invested 1.25 billion dollars in it. He encouraged the community members to make best use of the opportunities provided by it.
He informed the community members that on the longstanding demand of Pakistani community, a NADRA desk will soon be operational at Pakistan Embassy Paris, which would create efficiency in provision of consular services.
Members of the community appreciated the services being provided by the Embassy in a timely manner and gave their suggestions. They also requested the Embassy to play a role in resumption of PIA flights to France. Charge d’Affaires assured them of embassy’s full cooperation in further facilitating the community.
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Embassy of Pakistan
(France)
***
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)
***
PRESS RELEASE
Kashmir Solidarity Day observed in France
Paris; February 5, 2021
The resolve and struggle of Kashmiris is unique in the annals of history as there is hardly any example in human history where more than ten million people have been subjected to brutal repression by an occupying armed force of more than 900,000 for more than 70 years and yet they continue to raise the banner of freedom, said Mr. M. Amjad Aziz Qazi, Charge d’Affaires a.i. Embassy of Pakistan France, while addressing a webinar which was held here today to observe the Kashmir Solidarity Day.
Members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri community as well as French and ethnic media persons in Paris attended the event via video-link, which was held online due to Covid-19 restrictions. Messages of President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out to the audience.
Mr. Qazi highlighted the significance of this day and said that it serves as a reminder for the international community as well as the United Nations to ensure the right to self-determination for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) through a free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the UN.
He said each year, the government and people of Pakistan observe the 5th of February as Kashmir Solidarity Day to reaffirm support to our brothers and sisters in IIOJK as well as to appreciate their brave struggle for the right to self-determination, which was pledged to them by the international community through several United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Charge d’Affaires emphasized that in the last seven decades, fundamental human rights of Kashmiri people have been violated through abductions, incarceration at undisclosed locations, indiscriminate use of pellet guns, and extra-judicial killings. This is clearly Indian state-terrorism against innocent Kashmiris. There is also no example of the military siege, lockdown and communication blockade that India has employed on Kashmiris since 5 August 2019. And now India is attempting to change the demography of the territory through a sinister design to convert the Muslim majority into a minority. This is being done in violation of international law, particularly the 4th Geneva Convention, he added.
He stressed that Pakistan will remain steadfast in its solidarity with the Kashmiri people until they get their legitimate right to self-determination, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.
Mr. Qazi said under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistan has been actively highlighting the case of Kashmir at the international level, in an unprecedented manner.
He also commended the Pakistani and Kashmiri community living in France for standing up for their Kashmiri brethren by holding demonstrations and other events on all important occasions relating to Kashmir, showing solidarity with the oppressed people of IIOJ&K. Mr. Amjad Qazi also appreciated the role played by the French media in highlighting the sufferings of the people of IIOJ&K.
A documentary highlighting Indian atrocities in IIOJ&K was also screened on the occasion.
Eminent members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri community in France also expressed their views on the occasion and called upon the international community to ensure justice for the people of IIOJ&K.
Later, Charge d’Affaires inaugurated a photographic exhibition showing the plight of Kashmiris, who are under Indian military siege.
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Embassy of Pakistan
(France)
***
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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Embassy of Pakistan
(France)
***
Press Release
Pakistan welcomes French investment, technology & expertise in agriculture sector: Syed Fakhar Imam
Paris; October 9, 2020: Pakistan has huge potential in the field of agriculture and agri-products and the country welcomes French investment, technology and expertise, in a mutually beneficial way. This was stated by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Syed Fakhar Imam in a webinar on the agriculture sector of Pakistan in which 25 French companies participated. The webinar was organized by the largest business federation of France, MEDEF in cooperation with the Embassy of Pakistan, Paris.
He said agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy as it not only provides food security to the people but also employment opportunities to a large percentage of population. In addition to modernizing agriculture we also want to develop related sectors like fisheries, livestock, processing of fruits, meat production and dairy as well as organic farming, he added.
In his introductory remarks, Mr. Thierry Pfilmlin President Total Global Services, who is also President Pakistan-France Business Council, introduced MEDEF, as the largest employer federation in France which was established in 1998. It has more than 750,000 member firms, 90% of them being small and medium enterprises with fewer than 50 employees. Every year, MEDEF International organises a number of delegations of French business leaders with tangible projects to targeted countries, especially developing countries.
Mr. Muhammad Amjad Aziz Qazi, Charge d’Affaires a.i. Embassy of Pakistan Paris, praised the long-standing cooperation with MEDEF, adding there is huge potential in the agriculture sector to enhance mutual cooperation between the two countries. Agriculture is the mainstay of Pakistan’s economy and an important sector in French economy, he said, and Pakistan can benefit from French best practices in this sector.
Representative of French Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Mr. Sylvian Maestracci said that France is the world’s seventh largest agricultural producer, fourth largest agricultural exporter and EU’s leading agricultural power, accounting for about one-third of all agricultural land within the EU. More than half of French farms are primarily devoted to animal production, which account for 43% of France’s total agricultural produce equaling 25.7 billion Euros.
The participating French companies expressed keen interest in Pakistan‘s agricultural sector and sought information on various sub-sectors including dairy, animal husbandry, seed production, organic farming and forestation in which they could cooperate with Pakistan.
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