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Pakistani Community organized dinner for Kasuri in Sydney

Report & Photos By: Syed Zafar Hussain (Editor Sada-e-Watan Sydney)

Chief Guest: Mr Khurshid Kasuri Dr. Akram Hassan Dr Shaukat Javed Dr. Shabbir Haider

On Saturday 14^th May 2005 at the Sydney Intercontinental Hotel there was a dinner held for Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri organised by The Pakistani Community Living in Australia. Mr Kasuri had brief talks with the Pakistani community including doctors, engineers, IT experts, lawyers and businessmen. The dinner was attended by Mr. Babar W. Malik - High Commissioner of Pakistan, Mr. Sarfraz Khanzada - Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Ejaz Ahmed - Consul General of Pakistan Sydney, Mr. Nouman Munir - General Manager of Pakistan International Airlines Australia, Mr. Mohammed Aslam - Regional General Manager Habib Finance Australia, Syed Zafar Hussain - Editor Sada-e-Watan Sydney, Dr. S.F. Wasti - President Pakistan Medical Association of Australia, Mr. Ejaz Khan President Pakistan Australia Friendship Association of Australia, Rana Qaleb Abbas - President Pakistan Association of Australia and other Prominent Dignities. The program started with a Passage from the Quran by Dr. Shabbir Haider, Advisor of Sada-e-Watan Sydney. Dr. Shaukat Javed was the Master of Ceremony.

Dr. Akram Hassan - Chief Executive of Sada-e-Watan Sydney, Welcomed Mr. Kasuri. Dr. Akram said in his speech that “Tonight we have amongst us the Foreign Minister of Pakistan Honourable Mr. Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri who, I am sure, does not need any introduction. The Foreign Minister is the Son of the late Mian Mahmood Ali Kasuri, a cabinet Minister in Mr. Bhutto’s Government. His illustrious son, Mr. Khurshid Kasuri is truly following the foot steps of his late Father. Mr. Khurshid Kasuri’s democratic credentials are impeccable. He has stood for his principles no matter what the cost. He is a highly respected and regarded politician of Pakistan”

Dr. Akram Hassan said that we are lucky to have him with us tonight to benefit from his counsel and his views on Australia-Pakistan as well as International relations. The Foreign Policy of Pakistan which is so ably conducted by him is greatly appreciated in all the world capitals. His presence here is all the more important as it is almost after fifty years that the foreign Minister of Pakistan has visited Australia. On behalf of Pakistani community living in Australia, I wish to thank the Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri. I would Now like to request the Honourable Mr. Kasuri to address us. After the address, the Foreign Minister would be more than happy to answer questions from audience.

Chief Guest the Foreign Minister briefed the Pakistani community on the purpose of his visit to Australia and shed light on political and economical conditions.

He also touched upon the relations between India and Pakistan and the steps taken by Pakistan in confidence building measures across LoC, Sir Creek, Siachen, Khokhrapar Munabao railway link project, opening of consulates in Karachi and Mumbai, oil and gas pipeline and bilateral economical and commercial cooperation including joint economic commission. About Kashmir issue, he said that Pakistan emphasized meaningful and result oriented dialogue with India to resolve the all-outstanding issues including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir. He briefed the audience on his talks with the Prime Minister, foreign Minister, immigration, defence and Attorney General on all issues relating to Pakistani expatriates based in Australia such as visa issue to the students, businessmen skilled workers and ways and means to enhance Pakistan image in Australia. The community is excited that President Musharraf is going to visit Australia for the first time in History which will be reciprocated by Australian Prime Minister later this year. During the question-answer session, many suggestions, observations and queries were raised and were responded by the Foreign Minister in detail.