High Commissioner Mohammad Nafees Zakaria said doctors and physicians of Pakistani heritage have achieved great successes in their respective fields and made Pakistan proud. He was addressing the Association of Pakistani Physicians of Northern Europe (APPNE) as Chief Guest and Patron of the organization in Manchester on 07 March 2020.
The High Commissioner, who maintains contact with the Parliamentarians and community of the region, was warmly greeted by them. Prominent business people and media persons also met him, says a press release received from London, here today.
The High Commissioner felicitated Dr. Amir Burney, President APPNE and Office Bearers and Members on organizing the first APPNE Annual event. He commended the significant contribution of doctors and physicians of Pakistani heritage to the British society, particularly to the National Health Service (NHS) of the UK.
Mr Zakaria interacted with a large number of Pakistani community from Manchester and its vicinity. He said 1.5 million vibrant Pakistani Diaspora serves as a strong bridge between the two countries. He acknowledged the outstanding work of the community in promoting the true image of Pakistan in the UK and worldwide.
Giving an overview of Pakistan, the High Commissioner said the economy of the country is on an upward trajectory as reported by international financial institutions and credible global publications. Similarly, tourism and related investments are witnessing exponential growth in Pakistan, he informed. He said since the global economic gravity is shifting towards Asia, Pakistan is poised to become the regional economic hub by virtue of its strategic geographic location and flagship project of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Mr Zakaria invited the Pakistani Diaspora and UK investors to take advantage of the lucrative business and investment opportunities in Pakistan.
Remembering the affectees of recent devastating floods in the UK, the High Commissioner appreciated community’s assistance extended to those in need. He also offered sympathies and condolences to the victim families of Corona Virus.
The High Commissioner particularly mentioned the plight of over 8 million Kashmiris under siege of Indian occupation forces since 5 August 2019. He said their unspeakable sufferings remain unreported due to complete cut off from the outside world. Their sufferings have not just started since 5 August but the Kashmiri Muslims have been suffering for over 7 decades, he added. Mr Zakaria said, “Let us not forget them amidst other challenges that have attracted the world attention from the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Jammu & Kashmir under Indian occupation.”
On this occasion, the High Commissioner announced that Pakistan High Commission would sponsor a Bursary for Urdu Studies at the University of Manchester. He said that Urdu is the fourth most spoken language in the United Kingdom of which a significant number resides in Manchester. With a view to enhancing community relations and assisting the work of public services in Manchester, this bursary would enable a selected public service employee to study Urdu at the University of Manchester, he elaborated. Mr Zakaria commended the work and efforts of Mr. Shiraz Ali from the University of Manchester, Dr. John Morley, Director of University-wide Language Programme and Dr. Justyna Drobnik Rogers, for promotion of Urdu in the UK.
He assured that the Pakistan High Commission would continue to engage with the University for promotion of Urdu language in the UK. The High Commissioner also appreciated the positive contribution of Pakistan’s renowned Poet Mr. Amjad Islam Amjad who attended the gathering, for promoting Urdu and Pakistani culture abroad.
Dr. Amir Burney, President APPNE briefed the gathering that the Association was launched last year with the objective to bring doctors and physicians at one platform to work in a coordinated and coherent manner. He thanked High Commissioner Nafees Zakaria for his guidance and valuable support.
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