PAKISTAN HIGH COMMISSIONER’S FELICITATION MESSAGE ON NEW YEAR, 2017
H.E. SYED IBNE ABBAS, PAKISTAN HIGH COMMISSIONER’S FELICITATION MESSAGE ON NEW YEAR, 2017
On the eve of The New Year 2017, I wish to felicitate Pakistanis residing in the UK. On this occasion, I extend my best wishes to all for a prosperous and peaceful New Year.
I avail this opportunity to assure the British-Pakistanis that the Government of Pakistan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, fully recognizes the potential and important role being played by the Pakistani diaspora in the development and progress of Pakistan.
It is gratifying to note that during 2016, Pakistan – UK relations remained on an upward surge in all fields at all levels. The culmination of this positive trajectory was the recent successful visit to Pakistan by Rt Hon Boris Johnson, British Foreign Secretary.
Throughout the last year, our focus remained on the promotion of Pakistan-UK bilateral relations through trade, culture, high level visits and people to people contacts. For Pakistan, there is a tremendous scope of enhancing trade volume with the post-Brexit UK as it would be looking for new trade partners outside the EU. With existing trade and diaspora linkages between the two countries, Pakistan becomes a natural destination for British entrepreneurs and investments.
2017, is the 70th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. To make this relationship further meaningful, we expect our diaspora to adopt a more inclusive approach to be part of the mainstream British society and continue contributing positively in progress and development of the UK.
The year 2016, was certainly an eventful year for Pakistan. As a result of the government’s focus to improve economy, a ‘silent revolution’ is taking place in the country. The current economic growth rate of 4.8% is going to touch 5.5% next year. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with its US$54 billion investment portfolio would not only end energy shortages in Pakistan but would build a network of roads and railways to improve connectivity within Pakistan as well as in the entire region.
Due to tremendous sacrifices by the valiant civil and armed forces personnel, peace and stability has returned to Karachi and rest of the country. National efforts in shape of Operation Zarb-e-Azb under the National Action Plan (NAP), is a great achievement.
We at the High Commission, continuously strive to improve public service delivery. During the recent past, several concrete measures have been introduced to enhance community outreach and facilitation, with satisfactory results.
The New Year 2017 happens to be the 70th Independence Anniversary of Pakistan. The High Commission, to commemorate this momentous event, has chalked out an elaborate calendar of activities under the theme of “Emerging Pakistan” to celebrate the important milestone of our history. We invite all to join the High Commission in celebrations throughout the year 2017, and be proud Pakistanis.
Allah Almighty has endowed us with abundant natural and human resources. Let us make use of our potential and reaffirm to adhere to the golden principles of the Quaid-i-Azam: Faith, Unity, and Discipline.
I wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
