H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, during his current visit to the region of Wales met with members of the British Pakistani community in Cardiff on 26 July 2017. Cardiff, the provincial capital of Wales, has a strong presence of Pakistani diaspora.
Engagement with the community is part of the High Commission’s outreach initiative to connect with the British Pakistanis, know about their issues and take steps to resolve them.
Amongst those in attendance were members of the business community, local councillors, and Welsh Assembly member Mr. Muhammad Asghar.
In his address to the community, the High Commissioner appreciated the contribution of the diaspora in the progress and development of Pakistan and building bridges of understanding between the peoples of Pakistan and the UK. He stressed on the importance of unity amongst members of the community and the need for youth to be part of the mainstream with special focus on quality education of children.
While assuring the community that the High Commission would take their consular related concerns into consideration, the High Commissioner clarified that neither the High Commission nor any of its four consulates have given the authorization to any third party or person to issue any documentation to individuals on their behalf. He also briefed them about the steps taken by the High Commission to provide better consular services and the open door policy approach that has been adopted for the benefit of the public.
The High Commissioner highlighted the fact that Pakistan is on the path to progress and it is being seen by the international community as a land of opportunity.
He also apprised the audience about Pakistan’s 70th Independence Anniversary celebrations and the calendar of events organised by the High Commission to mark this milestone. On this note, the audience were also briefed about the installation of Quaid-i-Azam’s bust at the Lincoln’s Inn, London.
Afterwards, the High Commissioner interacted with several members of the community individually and listened to their issues and suggestions.