A great expression of sol-idarity with the Kash-miri people was wit-nessed at a Seminar on Kashmir at the British House of Parliament

on 09 February 2016. The seminar was jointly organized by

All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), on Third World Solidarity and the Paki-stan High Commission London in con-nection with the "Kashmir Solidarity Day" which is observed every year on 5 February to demonstrate support for

the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

A large number of British Lords, MPs, Mayors, Councillors and repre-sentatives of civil society and media attended the event and urged India to give the Kashmiri people their right to self-determination as promised by the United Nations.

They also voiced deep concerns over atrocities and human rights violations in "Indian Occupied Kashmir" by the Indian security forces, and demanded immediate halt to these violations.

In his remarks on the occasion, H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Com-missioner to the UK said that Pakistan would continue to extend moral, politi-cal and diplomatic support to the cause of self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that the Kashmiri people were being denied fundamental human rights i.e. right to self-determination, by India for more than six decades. The High Commissioner said:“Things are changing in the world at a very fast pace. No one can keep 15 million Kashmiri

people in shackles any more. The Kash-miris would soon be the master of their destiny.”

The speakers, among others, included Sir Gerald Kaufman MP, Dave Anderson MP and Chair APPG on Third World Solidarity, Lord Nazir Ahmed, Lord Qurban Hussain, Khalid Mahmood MP, Naz Shah MP, renowned journalist and writer Victoria Schofield and Kashmiri leader Raja Nijabat Hussain.

Alderman Mushtaq Lasharie, Chair Third World Solidarity, moderated the seminar.

Expression of solidarity with the Kashmiris

High Commissioner discusses community outreach efforts with Lord Andrew Feldman

H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, paid a courtesy call on Rt. Hon. Lord An-drew Feldman, Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party & Chairman of the Party Board, on 2 February 2016.

Pakistan, UK bilateral relations, with particular focus on the role of the Pa-kistani community in the UK, came under discussion.

The High Commissioner felicitated Lord Andrew Feldman on the election victory of the Conservative Party and expressed hope that mutually benefi-cial relations between the two coun-tries would continue on the upward trajectory in all fields of cooperation in future.

Lord Feldman underlined the im-portance of bilateral relations and appreciated the important role being

played by the British Pakistani com-munity in the British politics, economy and culture.

He stated that they wish to further enhance their outreach to the British Pakistanis so that they could play an even more effective role in the main-stream British society.

On this occasion, the High Com-missioner apprised Lord Feldman of the community outreach initiatives of the High Commission under which 02 “Councillors Convention” and 01 “Youth Convention” were organized last year which led to close interaction between the Mission and the community.

Lord Feldman commended the out-reach initiatives and underscored more active participation of the British Paki-stanis in all walks of life in the UK.

High Commissioner felicitates the Lord Mayor of the City of London

H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, the High Com-missioner called on Lord Mayor of the City of London Alderman Jeffrey Evans in the prestigious Mansion House, Lon-don on 11 February 2016 and felicitated him on assuming the new office. Pro-motion of business ties and investment opportunities in Pakistan came under discussion.

The High Commissioner briefed the Lord Mayor on the economic reforms agenda initiated by the government of Pakistan that brought about economic turnaround--a fact duly acknowedged by the international financial institu-tions and rating agencies.

The Lord Mayor was informed about the liberal trade and investment regime of Pakistan and the opportunities there-in for the companies based in the City of London.

The High Commissioner also updated

the Lord Mayor on the salient features of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and its inherent benefits for Pakistan as well as the entire region.

Enhanced collaboration between London Stock Exchange

(LSE), and Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSE), was also discussed. The Lord Mayor was informed that Pakistan Cap-ital Markets Day is held every year at London Stock Exchange.

The Lord Mayor termed Pakistan an important investment destination for the companies based in the City of Lon-don and assured that he would apprise businesses and financial institutions of the profitable opportunities in Pakistan.

The High Commissioner also invited the Lord Mayor to visit Pakistan, togeth-er with a business delegation, which the latter accepted in principle.

High Commissioner hosts dinner in honour of the Chief of The Naval Staff

H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, hosted a din-ner in honour of Admiral Zakaullah, Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan at his official residence on 11 February 2016.

The dinner was attended by First Sea Lord Admiral Sir George Zembellas, General Charles Vyvyan, Rear Admiral Amjad Hussain and some key MoD staff.

In his welcome remarks, the High Commissioner welcomed the guests and underlined the importance of continued high level strategic relationship between Pakistan and the UK.

The High Commissioner termed the existing relations between the two countries excellent and hoped for their further strengthening in future.

Admiral Zakaullah also thanked British government and in particu-

lar the First Sea Lord for his personal involvement in this visit that ensured meetings and fruitful discussions not only with Royal Navy command but also with EUNAVFOR and NATO Maritime Command at Northwood.

The Admiral mentioned the strong linkages between Pakistan and the UK and in particular the Pakistan Navy and the Royal Navy.

Admiral Zakaullah was on a five-day official visit to the UK that includ-ed various meetings within MoD-UK, Naval Command Headquarters - Ports-mouth, visit to Carrier Strike Group in Scotland, EU Naval Forces and NATO Maritime Command at Northwood and DefenceAcademy in Shrivenham.

Oxford University student delegation calls on the High Commissioner

A group of students stud-ying postgraduate Di-plomacy Course at the University of Oxford called on H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, the High

Commissioner at his office on 08 Feb-ruary 2016.

The delegation was led by Ex British Ambassador Mr. John Beyer.

During the meeting, the High Com-missioner gave an historical overview of the diplomatic relations between Paki-stan and the UK.

He noted that these relations are sup-plemented by the historical linkages, close bilateral trade ties and the presence of 1.2 million strong British Pakistani diaspora.

The High Commissioner briefed the students on the main functions of the High Commission as well as the day to day working of the Mission.

He apprised them of various public

diplomacy efforts taken by the Mission, including continuous engagement with Pakistani community in UK through various fora.

The High Commissioner also spoke about his diplomatic career and advised the students to pursue their aim of be-coming future diplomats with passion, commitment and hard work.

During the Q&A session, the stu-dents asked a number of searching questions regarding Pakistan’s foreign policy, and its relations with the UK and other countries including neighbouring states. The students were also given a tour of different sections of the High Commission.

The visit was part of the postgraduate Diplomacy course at the Oxford Univer-sity, where students are trained in the art and skills of diplomacy.

British High Commissioner (Designate) to Pakistan hosted at Pakistan House

H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK hosted a din-ner in honour of H.E. Thomas Drew, British High Commissioner (Designate), to Pakistan, at his official residence, Pa-kistan House, on 2 February 2016.

The High Commissioner felicitated Mr Thomas Drew on his important ap-pointment as the new High Commis-sioner for Pakistan.

He stated that the two countries enjoy mutually beneficial relations and hoped that Mr Drew’s appointment would fur-ther strengthen the ties.

Mr Thomas Drew thanked High

Commissioner Abbas for hosting him before assuming his new responsibilities in Islamabad.

He shared his vision of further pro-moting the bilateral relations and people to people linkages.

The High Commissioner (Designate), added he was looking forward to his new assignment.The High Commissioner expressed best wishes to Mr Thomas Drew in his new role.

LSE hosts reception for its Pakistani Alumni

The London School of Economics (LSE), South Asia Centre hosted a Reception for the LSE Alumni from Pakistan in the UK on

16 February 2016. H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commis-

sioner to the UK and Professor Craig Calhoun, LSE President & Director were invited as Chief guests. Direc-tor South Asia Centre Dr Mukuli-ka Banerjee was also present at the Reception. In his welcome remarks,

Professor Calhoun termed the estab-lishment of the South

Asia Centre at the LSE a milestone that reflects more than 70-year relation-ship between the School and the region. The Centre, he stated, would enhance the School’s academic engagement with South Asia through research collabora-tion and knowledge exchange. He added that students from Pakistan form one of the largest international contingents on campus with over 200 students studying in LSE, and appreciated their proactive role at the Centre. In his remarks, the

High Commissioner commended the outstanding work of the

South Asia Centre in promoting ed-ucational collaboration with the South Asian countries. He welcomed the visit of the Director LSE and his team to Pa-kistan and hoped that it would enhance research and educational collaboration between the two countries. The High Commissioner appreciated the hard work and dedication of the

Pakistani students and termed them the “real ambassadors of Pakistan”.

Director South Asia Centre Dr Ba-

nerjee gave an overview of the history, mandate and activities of the Centre. She shared that the Centre plans to or-ganize a number of events including an educational conference in Pakistan on the 70th Anniversary of Pakistan’ Independence next year.

The LSE South Asia Centre was established in June 2015 to provide a platform for launching coordinated and sustained engagement with the South Asian region.

Revival of UK Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry in North West

An exclusive meeting and networking din-ner was organised on 21st February 2016 by the UKPCCI – North West Chapter to of-

ficially announce the revival and new Board of Directors for the Manchester Chapter of UK-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The event was chaired by UKPCCI President, Dr. Ghulam Murtaza along with board of Directors from London.

Large number of renowned business-men, professionals from North West England, MEP Afzal Khan and former Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Naeem Ul Hassan attended the event.

The Consul General, Manchester, Dr. Zahoor Ahmed and Commercial

Counsellor. Muhammad Amir Thahim also attended the event and encouraged the renewal of the esteemed trade body.

The revival of UKPCCI in Manchester was highly appreciated as it wuld be a strong medium of promotion of trade activities between businessmen of Pa-kistan and the

North West region of the United Kingdom.Manchester based business-

man, Mr. Amir Khawaja, was appoint-ed as Vice President of UK-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce for the whole of the UK and will be heading the North West region.

Festival Season in North Pakistan

Not only does the north of Pakistan have jaw-dropping scen-ery, it is a great place to immerse one-self in the multitude of

cultures and history that you find there. One great way to experience this is to visit one of the many festivals that will be taking place from the spring through to autumn.

The first that is worthy of mention is the Kalash Spring Festival of Joshi which takes place in Mid May.

The Kalash, who claim ancestry as descendants of Alexander the Great’s ar-mies, are the only indigenous non-Mus-lims in Pakistan.

They number only about 3000 in remote valleys near Chitral, KP. Over the course of three days, there are cer-emonies, much dancing and chanting to beating drums as the Kalash elebrate the coming of spring, offer thanks and pray for a successful year ahead. It is a colourful spectacle as the women are instantly recognisable wearing their traditional black robes, adorned with coloured beads and ornate cowrie shelled headdresses.

Next we go from colour to combat at the Shandur Polo Festival in Mid July. This takes place at the picturesque Shandur Pass, whic h has the added adventure of being located at 3800 metres making it the highest polo field in the world. Every year the top polo teams from the rival towns of Gilgit and Chitral spend three days battling it out for a coveted trophy. But this is wild polo at break-neck speed allowing the players to really show off their horsemanship and leaving the masses thrilled and thor-oughly entertained.

Towards the end of the summer in Gilgit-Baltistan is a new initiative set up in 2014 to promote tourism in North Pakistan – the Silk Route Festival. This takes place over three days with events taking place simultaneously in venues around Gilgit, Hunza,

Nagar and Skardu. The festival show-cases aspects of art, history, sport, music and traditional local heritage.

The festival also regularly invites art-ists and performers from the neighbour-ing Xinjiang province of China as well as from Central Asia so if you are lucky enough to be visiting at this time, you are in for a cultural assault on the senses.

Shandur Mela

Kalash Spring Festival

Shandur LakeShandur Polo Festival