My relationship with Shabir Ahmed started as soon as I arrived in Pakistan. He became one of my mentors in a very short span of time, giving me useful advice and introducing me to key Pakistani business players.
In this respect, I am very grateful to Shabir Ahmed for the role he played to enhance closer and ever growing ties between France and Pakistan. Besides being considered as a beacon of Pakistan-France economic cooperation, Shabir Ahmed became a good friend of mine and a good companion. So I am very pleased that The French Republic has recognised the outstanding achievements of Shabir Ahmed by conferring upon him the prestigious title of "Chevalier" that is Knight of the National Order of Merit on behalf of the President of the French Republic. Congratulations, Shabir, my friend you fully deserve it.