New Envoys Present Credentials to President Zardari
Four newly appointed envoys presented their credentials to President Asif Ali Zardari at a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Friday. The envoys included Mr. Tarik Ali Khan, High Commissioner-designate of Canada; Mr. Abdulaziz Issa, Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Lebanon; Mr. Robert-Jan Siegert, Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; and Mr. David Pine, Non-Resident High Commissioner-designate of New Zealand (based in Colombo). Upon arrival at the Presidency, the envoys were welcomed with a Guard of Honour by a well-prepared contingent of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
President Zardari welcomed the newly accredited envoys and expressed his congratulations on their appointments. He expressed confidence that their tenure would contribute to strengthening Pakistan’s bilateral relations with their respective countries. During the meeting, the President highlighted Pakistan’s long-standing and friendly relations with Canada, emphasizing enhanced economic, trade, and investment cooperation, particularly in the IT, energy, and minerals sectors. He also noted the importance of people-to-people linkages and praised the role of the vibrant Pakistani diaspora in Canada in promoting goodwill between the two nations.
In his conversation with the Ambassador of Lebanon, the President reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep solidarity with the Government and people of Lebanon. He strongly condemned Israel’s aggression against civilians and assured continued support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The President emphasized the need to enhance bilateral trade, security, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
During his meeting with the Ambassador of the Netherlands, the President underscored the importance of further strengthening bilateral ties, especially in trade, investment, agriculture, and education. He appreciated the Netherlands’ partnership in areas such as water management, climate resilience, and sustainable development, and invited greater Dutch investment in Pakistan.
In his interaction with the Non-Resident High Commissioner of New Zealand, the President highlighted the shared Commonwealth heritage and democratic values between the two countries. He emphasized the potential for enhanced cooperation in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and clean energy, and expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s support for Pakistan’s multilateral initiatives.
The President extended his best wishes to all four envoys for a successful and productive tenure, expressing hope that their efforts would lead to stronger bilateral and multilateral partnerships for mutual benefit.
Muslim World League Secretary General Calls on President Zardari
Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL) and Chairman of the Organisation of Muslim Scholars, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Friday. Welcoming Dr. Al-Issa to Pakistan, President Zardari conveyed his greetings and best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
The President appreciated Dr. Al-Issa’s leadership in promoting unity, moderation, and interfaith harmony, and acknowledged the League’s humanitarian and educational initiatives around the world. Dr. Al-Issa stated that Pakistan holds a special place in the hearts of the Saudi people, and that bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries continue to grow stronger with each passing day. He described Pakistan-Saudi friendship as a matter of pride for the Kingdom and added that he had followed President Zardari’s political career and regarded it as inspirational.
He also paid tribute to the life and legacy of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, describing her as a role model, and lauded President Zardari for carrying forward her political vision and ideology. Dr. Al-Issa further noted that the recent defense cooperation agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reflected the deep trust and strategic alignment between the two nations.
President Zardari commended the MWL’s efforts to counter extremism and Islamophobia and praised its focus on social welfare, women’s empowerment, and education. He regarded the International Conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities, hosted by MWL in Islamabad earlier this year, as an important step toward strengthening the intellectual and moral foundations of the Muslim Ummah.
Referring to MWL’s partnership with Pakistan, the President said the Seerat-un-Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) Museum, jointly inaugurated last year, symbolizes the shared reverence of both sides for the Holy Prophet’s life and message. While noting the proposed agreement between MWL and Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, the President emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach for projects spanning multiple sectors such as health, education, and humanitarian assistance.
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the people of Palestine in their struggle for self-determination. He welcomed the peace efforts led by Saudi Arabia and MWL, including the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit and the Gaza Plan, stressing that any peace initiative must ensure a lasting ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and the reconstruction of Gaza.
The President said Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia is historic and deeply rooted in shared faith and mutual respect. He looked forward to the forthcoming visit of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to Pakistan and noted with appreciation the expanding cooperation between the two countries in defense, trade, investment, and energy.
He lauded the Muslim World League’s role in uniting the Muslim Ummah and promoting dialogue, tolerance, and compassion, reaffirming Pakistan’s desire to strengthen cooperation with MWL in education, interfaith harmony, and humanitarian relief.
Pakistan Ambassador Designate to UAE Calls on President Zardari
Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to the United Arab Emirates, Mr. Shafqat Ali Khan, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Friday. The President congratulated Mr. Shafqat Ali Khan on his new assignment and commended his extensive diplomatic experience. He expressed confidence that the Ambassador-designate would further strengthen Pakistan’s multifaceted relations with the United Arab Emirates.
President Asif Ali Zardari described Pakistan’s relationship with the United Arab Emirates as pivotal to the country’s foreign policy, noting that the two nations enjoy deep-rooted ties founded on shared history, culture, faith, and strong people-to-people linkages. He added that, as one of Pakistan’s leading trading partners, the UAE’s investments in the energy, infrastructure, minerals, and IT sectors would further enhance bilateral cooperation.
The President highlighted the invaluable role of the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, one of the largest expatriate communities in the country, describing it as both an economic contributor and a bridge of friendship between the two brotherly states. President Zardari lauded the United Arab Emirates’ consistent support for Pakistan and its constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability. He expressed confidence that Mr. Shafqat Ali Khan would work with dedication to elevate the bilateral relationship to even greater heights.
Siemens Healthineers CEO Calls on President Zardari
Mr. Khurram Jameel, Chief Executive Officer of Siemens Healthineers Pakistan and Afghanistan, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Matters related to enhancing cooperation in healthcare, particularly in medical technology, diagnostics, and digital health solutions came under discussion.
The President appreciated Siemens Healthineers’ role in supporting Pakistan’s healthcare sector and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting innovation and investment in health services. Senator Saleem Mandviwalla was also present during the meeting.
