Newly-appointed Pakistan ambassador to Qatar, Muhemmed Aejaz, has called upon the Pakistani business community in Qatar to adopt a proactive approach in promoting their achievements through digital platforms to inspire the younger generation.
Addressing senior members of the Pakistan Business Forum Doha (PBFD) and the Pakistan Welfare Forum (PWF), the ambassador said the younger generation is not only inclined to digital information but is also receptive to the success stories of Pakistanis living abroad.
“Pakistani expatriates are the real front liners on the economic front of Pakistan and play a crucial role, a fact that all the recent the governments have acknowledged. There are hundreds of untold stories of companies, professionals and even workers who have played a vital role in Qatar’s development as well as Pakistan,” Aejaz said.
The envoy pointed out that the Pakistani community in Qatar is highly regarded by the Qatar government due to the numerous achievements made by successive generations. “I have seen Pakistanis excelling individually in many countries, but I have never witnessed Pakistanis working collectively. I am amazed to learn about the achievements,” said the ambassador while referring to the selfless contributions of members of PBFD, PWF and other organisations.
The envoy pointed out that Qatar and Pakistan enjoy very close and cordial bilateral relations which have deepened further in recent times. "Bilateral trade also witnessed significant growth recently, but these relations still fall short of actual potential. Our trade and business ties with Qatar are not proportionate to our political and diplomatic relations and we need to explore this in view of the trade opportunities offered by Qatar in the last few years,” Aejaz stated.
Referring to his posting to Qatar, the envoy expressed joy and said: “I am extremely happy to have been posted here because of the excellent Pakistan-Qatar bilateral relations and presence of the vibrant Pakistani community in Qatar. I have served in several friendly countries, but never seen the similar cohesion amongst the Pakistani community as witnessed in Qatar."
Welcoming the ambassador and members, PBFD president Fawad Rana highlighted the pivotal role of the organisation in bringing together the business communities of the two countries. “This concept has led to many export opportunities for Pakistani companies,” he said while wishing the ambassador a successful stint in Qatar.
Pakistan Business & Professional Council president Dr Javaid Sheikh recalled that his first interaction with the ambassador was pleasant and he foresee positive development during his tenure in business and investment promotion.
The envoy was also apprised about PWF, which serves the under-privileged Pakistani families residing in Qatar in education, health, social welfare and other related areas.
Also present on the occasion were senior officials from the Pakistan embassy, including Mustafa Rabbani (deputy head of chancery), Masood Gul (head of chancery), Commodore Sharjeel Iftikhar (defence attaché) and Serein Asad (T&I attaché).
PBFD was represented, amongst others, by Said Gul, Mohammed Idrees Anwar, Pervaiz Iqbal, Muhammad Khan, Israr Malazai, Riyaz Bakali, G D Bangash, Dr Mehmood Adil, Shahid Khan. PWF was represented by president Khalid Bhatti and founder members.
