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LONDON
This was stated by the newly
appointed Pakistan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Wajid Shamsul Hasan
at the 55th annual dinner of The Pakistan Society at the historic Great hall of
the
“We strongly believe that democracy
is the destiny of our people as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
We are in the process of strengthening our democratic institutions within a
promising environment of a vibrant civil society and free media,” he told the
gathering in his first official engagement since assuming the charge of the new
post on Monday.
Hasan said the road to the destiny
is not smooth as there are massive challenges to overcome and urged the
international community to show more patience and tolerance and try to share
“The messy situation created over
several years cannot be corrected in weeks and months,” he added.
However, the High Commissioner
assured the large gathering of 250 guests that
At the onset of his speech, the
participants drawn from members of the Pakistani community based in
Paying rich tribute to the slain
former prime minister, Hasan described her as ‘most formidable symbol of
“She had acquired global status
larger than life from her relentless contribution for the eradication of
extremism from the face of the earth. She has left us as her glorious legacy a
long track record of enormous service to the masses for the alleviation of
their sufferings and the empowerment of the less privileged including women and
minorities.”
The High Commissioner went on to
say that Benazir’s uncompromising commitment to usher in Pakistan a democratic
order to ensure egalitarianism, peaceful co-existence and a culture of
tolerance through reconciliation and look forward to a prosperous future, are
the agenda hallmarks handed down by her to PPP and its coalition partners.
He pointed out that both Asif Ali
Zardari and Mian Nawaz Sharif along with their coalition partners are
determined to steer
“It is part of a national commitment
to carry forward the great mission of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto,” he added.
The High Commissioner also spoke
about the ever deepening and strengthening ties between
He praised the role of Pakistan
Society as the standard bearers of friendship and harmony between the two
countries and its peoples.
“Since its inception in 1951, the
Pakistan Society has been in the forefront of efforts to promote better
understanding between our two peoples and bringing them closer. Its activities
have added significance in our changing world which is becoming more and more
cosmopolitan in its essence and outlook.”
Speaking about Pakistan-Britain
relations, Hasan said, these are anchored in the principles of mutual respect
and benefit and in a shared history and with the advent of democracy in
Praising the contributions of
British-Pakistanis, the High Commissioner said they have been effectively
contributing to the progress of the
The Pakistan Society 2008 Award
was presented to Emran Husain, treasurer of the society, in recognition of his
services.
Baroness Butler-Sloss, a former
high Court Judge, made Muzaffarabad Earthquake Appeal and said so far it has
raised ten thousand pounds but the target was fifty thousand pounds which would
be utilised in rehabilitating the employees of the Azad Kashmir High Court and
their kith and kin who suffered immense losses in the 2005 natural calamity.
Chairman of the Society Lt. General
(retd) Anthony Palmer welcomed the new High Commissioner in his vote of thanks.
He also lauded the services of the former High Commissioner Dr. Maleeha Lodhi
and said she has agreed to become the honorary vice-president of the society
Courtesy: APP
25 June 2008
