Pakistan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Wajid Shamsul Hasan has said the new democratic government is committed to the welfare of the people of Pakistan and despite numerous challenges in all walks of life, initiatives have been taken for economic and social development of the country.
The envoy was addressing a large gathering of the British-Pakistanis, eminent local leaders and notables at a reception hosted by Pakistan's Consul General in Manchester Masroor Junejo in his honour at a local hotel.
Amongst those present were MPs Sir Gerald Kaufmann, Tony Lloyd, John Leech, MEP Sajid Karim, Mayors of Blackburn and Oldham, Commonwealth lightweight boxing champion Amir Khan, councillors and members of the consular corps.
The High Commissioner said the vision of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed for the empowerment and progress of weaker segments of the society would always remain the source of inspiration. "She laid her life for the democratic principles," he said.
Wajid said Pakistan-UK relations were multi-faceted and underpinned by mutual respect and benefit. In promotion of those bilateral ties, Pakistani Diaspora had been playing the most effective role, he added. "The contribution of the Pakistani community in the development of Britain has been significant," he stated.
The High Commissioner also applauded the Community's support for the country of its origin when needed and hope that it would continue doing so in the future as well. In his remarks, Sir Gerald congratulated Wajid Shamasul Hasan on his appointment as Pakistan's envoy to the UK.
He also paid glowing tributes to the leadership of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed and her struggle for the restoration of democracy in her country. The members of the Pakistani community welcomed the appointment of the High Commission and expressed their happiness at his presence amongst them.
Earlier, the High Commissioner inaugurated a jewellery exhibition by Shireen Khan, prominent jewellery designer from Pakistan who is also a member of the National Assembly.