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Postcard from Pakistan to
Sada-e-Watan
24/11/05-11:35pm Australian Time
Dear Zafar Uncle,
Was lucky enough to receive an invitation at the Australian High
Commissioner's function at Serena hotel in Islamabad on Wednesday 22/11/05
in the afternoon from 6-7.30pm. This is where I joined the Australian
delegation.
There were over 300 people. Local people ex-Sydney included Tahir Malik,
Dr Imran Ali (LUMS Professor), myself and Brig Ijaz Shah. Other Ministers
included Begum Shehnaz Sheikh (Health) and Ali Mahli (IT). I had met Ali
Mahli at presentation earlier in the day.
John Howard met everyone at the function in relaxed atmosphere and Clough
Engineering Pakistan (an Australian Engineering firm) operations was
inaugurated by John Howard. A speech was given by the popular Australian
High Commissioner, Zorica McCarthy.
After this function the convoy was taken to PM House for an exclusive
dinner for about 100 people in the Grand Banquet Hall. 40 were local
Australians or part of the PM's delegation (including myself). PM Shaukat
Aziz and PM Howard met all guests one on one before the dinner.
VIPs at the dinner included Muhummad Mian Soomro, Brig Ijaz Shah, Babar W
Malik, Dr Atta-ur-Rahman, Jehangir Khan Tarin, Zorica McCarthy, Sheryar
Khan, Wasim Bari, Sarfraz Nawaz as well as other ministry officials.
I had a five minute chat with Shaukat Aziz after dinner to discuss
investment opportunities in Pakistan and some of the frustrations the
local bureaucrats provide. He was pleased to meet young people looking to
help Pakistan and appreciated that I had returned to Pakistan after
attending his dinner at Expo 2005.
I have also met the Consul General elect for Sydney, Azam Mohammad and is
really looking forward to coming to Sydney as well as Chairman, EPB, Tariq
Ikram. Once EXPO 2006 in completed in April Mr Azam will arrive in Sydney.
He has served in Tokyo, Japan as well.
I met Chairman PIA Tariq Kirmani who said a PIA flight to Sydney is not
too far away, which PM Shaukat Aziz elaborated on during his dinner
presentation to John Howard.
All in all John Howard (having met him now at two functions here) seemed
very happy and impressed with Pakistan, and I am sure this visit is going
to only strengthen ties between the two nations.
Regards,
Kashif Amjad
Pakistan