Pak-Lanka political, economic ties to further deepen: Envoy

The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka Maj. Gen. Syed Shakeel Hussain said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka have intensified engagement and undertaken substantive measures to further deepen and broaden the economic and political relationship between the two sides.

The High Commissioner said this in an impressive ceremony held recently at the High Commission of Pakistan in Colombo to mark the 76th National Day of Pakistan. The event was celebrated by the High Commission and the Pakistani community based in Sri Lanka with traditional fervour and resolves to make Pakistan a strong, vibrant, progressive and democratic Islamic welfare state.

The High Commissioner hoisted the national flag while the national anthem was being played. Later, the messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out by the Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Sarfraz Ahmed Khan Sipra to the participants.

In his message on the occasion, Shakeel Hussain expressed satisfaction on the traditionally close and mutually beneficial relationship between the two friendly nations in all fields. He explained that the relationship is broad-based and multifaceted covering diverse fields like diplomatic, political, commercial, defence, people to people contacts and cultural exchanges. The process of bilateral cooperation has been greatly assisted by increased interaction both at the level of people and the highest government functionaries of the two countries, he added.

 The High Commissioner noted that Government of Pakistan is engaged in Sri Lanka’s social Sector development process. Some of the projects being sponsored include construction of schools, hospitals, houses for IDPs, clean drinking water supply projects, livelihood generation, setting up computer training centres, upgrading health in rural areas and providing scholarships to needy children.  

On Pakistan-Sri Lanka economic relations, the High Commissioner elaborated that the two sides are in process of refining the Free Trade Agreement, expanding the portfolio of trade able items and encouraging bilateral investment. He said that the recently concluded Pakistan Single country Exhibition in Colombo has contributed in promoting Pakistan-Sri Lanka economic relations by diversifying the existing trade patterns. 

He said that the Government of Pakistan is actively engaged with all neighbouring countries in an effort to create a peaceful neighbourhood, at the same time intensifying economic engagement with all friendly countries.  

The High Commissioner also extended sincere greetings and best wishes on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan to the government and people of Sri Lanka and the international community.

The National Day of Pakistan is celebrated every year on 23 March to commemorate the most outstanding achievement of the Muslims of South Asia who passed the historic ‘Pakistan Resolution’ on this day at Lahore in 1940 which culminated in creation of New Country-Pakistan after seven years.

The ceremony was attended by the members of Sri Lanka Pakistan Business Council, Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship trade and investment Association, Government functionaries, Ambassadors, prominent Sri Lankan personalities, Pakistani community in Sri Lanka and people from various walks of life including a large section of media.