Sada-e-Watan
Sydney ™
sadaewatan@gmail.com
H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas
High
Commissioner Syed Ibne Abbas completes his tour of duty in the United
Kingdom
Bilateral relations and
community facilitation remained areas of my focus: Syed Ibne Abbas
London (Media Release to Sada-e-Watan
Sydney): On completion of his tour of duty, His Excellency Syed Ibne Abbas,
Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK will be returning to Pakistan on 23 July
2018. During his tenure, the High Commissioner took several initiatives to
improve bilateral relations with the UK and introduced drastic reforms to
improve consular services for the community.
On this occasion, the
High Commissioner said:
“It has been my absolute honour and privilege
to have served as the High Commissioner for Pakistan to the United Kingdom. My
areas of priority remained strengthening political relations between Pakistan
and the UK; enhancing trade and economic ties; and efficient public service
delivery and community engagement. By the grace of Allah, I was able to
translate all those goals into reality.”
During High Commissioner's
tenure, relations between Pakistan and the UK remained robust. The two
countries worked closely to achieve shared objective of global peace.
Political, parliamentary and business exchanges and cooperation have been
mutually beneficial. High level bilateral visits that took place in the past
few years also reflected the upward trajectory in the friendly
relations.
On trade and economic ties, the High Commissioner
said:
“Contemporary diplomacy hinges upon strong trade and economic
ties. I am delighted to inform that over the past two years our exports to the
UK posted an impressive growth of 8%, which took our bilateral trade volume to
£2 billion per annum. The highlight of my endeavours in this direction was the
appointment of the British Prime Minister's Special Trade Envoy for Pakistan.
The UK is also keen in becoming partner with Pakistan in implementing the China
Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Post-Brexit, Pakistan will be one of the
preferred destinations for British businesses and investment.”
As the
High Commissioner, he addressed numerous challenges in efficient delivery of
Consular Services. During his tenure, all Consulates started Machine Readable
Passport (MRP) service; Consulates at Birmingham and Bradford were shifted from
old buildings to new ones with modern facilities; the long waiting time for
NADRA appointments was eliminated; and online booking system was introduced at
the Mission as well as all the four Consulates. Besides, to facilitate the
working people and students, the Mission and its Consulates are opened on every
second Saturday of the month to provide Consular Services.
To reach out
to the 1.2 million Pakistani diaspora, the High Commissioner started a
community outreach programme. In this regard, the Mission organised Students
Convention, Councillors Conventions, socio-cultural and literary events, and
the highlight of this engagement programme was holding of the Eid Open House
for the community every year. Eid Open House has since become the signature
event of the High Commission, cherished by the community utmost. Appointment of
the Honorary Consul at Wales is yet another manifestation of improving liaison
with the community in Wales.
Cultural diplomacy remained another area of
focus. Last year, the High Commission, under the theme “Emerging Pakistan”,
endeavoured to make the most of our 70th Independence Anniversary through our
cultural outreach programmes. Throughout the year, showcasing Pakistan as a
modern and moderate country was our major endeavour. For this purpose, events
like bus campaigns, fashion shows, stage plays and installation of the
Quaid-i-Azam's Bust at the historic Lincoln's Inn were but a few mega events
organized by the Mission and overwhelmingly attended by our community.
Giving an overview of the country, the High Commissioner said that with improved
security situation, swift implementation of CPEC and related inflow of
investments, and upcoming democratic transition, Pakistan has tremendous
investment opportunities on offer for the foreign investors.
About future relations of the
two countries, the High Commissioner Syed Ibne Abbas expressed:
“As I leave
this country shortly, my commitment to promote Pakistan-UK relations remains
unchanged and I am confident of an even better tomorrow. Insha
Allah!”
