Governor Punjab, Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana, visited the High Commission for Pakistan in London on 31 December 2015, and held a comprehensive interaction with the officers of the High Commission. On his arrival, the Governor was received by H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, says a Press Release received from London here today.
On this occasion, the Governor, on the request of the High Commissioner, held an interactive session with the officers of the High Commission and gave them an overview of various initiatives undertaken by his office for the welfare and relief of general public, as well as overseas Pakistanis. The Governor emphasized on provision of better services for the overseas Pakistanis, terming them as “our ambassadors abroad”. He commended the contribution of the Pakistani diaspora in the development and progress of Pakistan. The Governor also shared that the government has established a comprehensive mechanism for the redressal of issues pertaining to the overseas Pakistanis, by providing them with Oversea Pakistanis Commissions at Federal and Punjab level, and a number of special cells and desks.
The Governor emphasized on the need of making special efforts to improve the perception about Pakistan in the Western world. He said reality of Pakistan is much better than the perception created by the international media.
The Governor said, as the Chancellor of the universities of the Punjab province, his special focus is to improve the quality of education. He also informed that, in order to enhance educational opportunities for the students of Balochistan, he has taken special measures to increase their quota in universities of the Punjab province.
The High Commissioner briefed the Governor about the role and responsibilities of the High Commission, which, among others, included strengthening bilateral relations with the UK, improving Consular Services, community outreach efforts, media outreach to improve the perception about Pakistan, and enhancing bilateral trade.
The High Commissioner said over the last one year the High Commission held one Youth Convention and two Councillors Conventions to connect with the youth and the Pakistani community respectively. He further informed the Governor that special efforts were being made to facilitate the community in line with the instructions of the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Now there is Machine Readable Service (MRP) available at all the four Consulates of Pakistan, in addition to the High Commission in London, updated the High Commissioner. On this occasion, the High Commissioner acknowledged the supportive role of Ch Nisar Ali Khan, Interior Minister, in improving the Consular Services at the Mission and its Consulates.
The Governor responded to the questions by the officers on various issues in detail. He also assured of all possible support to High Commission’s efforts towards community facilitation.
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