The Acting High Commissioner said this while delivering his message on the occasion of the National Day of Pakistan today.
Dr. Sipra further said that the Government of Pakistan is actively engaged with all neighboring countries in an effort to create a peaceful neighborhood and at the same time intensifying economic engagement with all friendly countries.
On Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations, he explained that both sides have intensified political engagement and undertaken substantive measures to further deepen and broaden the economic relationship including refining the Free Trade Agreement, expanding the portfolio of trade-able items and encouraging bilateral investment. This relationship is independent of any compulsions. High level visits, exchanges and multiple institutionalized mechanisms continuously provide renewed vigor to propel and expand the relationship to newer heights, he added.
He highlighted that the Government of Pakistan is engaged in Sri Lanka’s social sector development. Some of the projects being sponsored include construction of schools, clean drinking water supply projects, livelihood generation, setting up computer training centers, upgrading hospitals in rural areas and providing scholarships to needy children.
The Acting High Commissioner said that Pakistan has rendered unconditional support to Sri Lankan Armed Forces in the form of military hardware and training to eliminate terrorism. The substantive Defence Cooperation between the two countries continues in various areas. Pakistan is the biggest training provider to Sri Lankan Armed and Civilian forces. He reiterated that Pakistan will never forget the refueling facilities provided by the great nation of Sri Lanka in 1971 despite strong displeasure from some mighty quarters.
The High Commissioner also conveyed warm regards and best wishes from the government and people of Pakistan to the government and people of Sri Lanka.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of participants from various walks of life including members of the Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship Association, Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Council, prominent Sri Lankan personalities and the Pakistani community based in Sri Lanka.
The National Day of Pakistan is celebrated every year on March 23, to commemorate the most outstanding achievement of the Muslims of South Asia who passed the historic “Pakistan Resolution” on this day at Lahore in 1940 which culminated in creation of Pakistan after 7 years.
