The Islamic Republic of Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day today. On the occasion, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Bahrain Muhammad Ayub conveys his heartfelt greetings to all Pakistanis in the kingdom.
“On this day in 1947, Pakistan emerged on the world map as a sovereign state after the untiring efforts of our nation under the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
“Our country is blessed with tall mountains, lush green valleys, freshwater natural springs and rivers, plateaus, fertile plain farmlands, deserts and pristine beaches.
“With a population of more than 220 million, Pakistan has a unique strategic location with natural resources like gold, copper, semi-precious stones and hydrocarbons.
“The four seasons of Pakistan make it suitable to grow almost every type of fruit, vegetable and food grain.
“We are blessed with a talented human resource that has proven its worth the world over.
“Pakistan’s unique geo-strategic location at the confluence of South Asia, Central Asia, West Asia and Northern China makes it a natural regional economic hub and energy corridor.
“The country is connected to Western China through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), under the Belt and Road Initiative.
With an outlay of more than $62 billion under CPEC, huge investments are underway in infrastructural projects. CPEC provides many investment opportunities for businesses and investors from friendly countries. In this regard, we are keen to work closely with Bahrain and other regional countries.
“The government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has undertaken transformational and infrastructural reforms to facilitate investors and ensure ease of doing business.
“The World Bank, in its annual report on ‘Doing Business 2020’, has ranked Pakistan among the ‘most improved economies’ in ease of doing business in the world and elevated its position by 28 places.
“A pro-business investment policy ensures 100 per cent equity ownership, full repatriation of capital, tax breaks and customs duty concessions on the import of plant, machinery and raw materials.
“Pakistan and Bahrain enjoy a long history of friendship and co-operation for mutual benefit. The two help each other in different areas of mutual interest and closely consult each other at the international fora.
“The Prime Minister of Pakistan paid a state visit to Bahrain on December 16, 2019, as a Guest of Honour on the National Day of Bahrain. He came on the special invitation of His Majesty King Hamad.
“Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi visited Bahrain on July 28 to co-chair the Joint Ministerial Commission meeting. “Now the government and people of Pakistan look forward to welcoming His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister in Pakistan.
“Pakistan International Airline and Gulf Air are operating flights to almost all major cities in Pakistan to boost fraternal relations and extensive interactions between our two nations.
“To bring our people even closer, the government of Pakistan has extended visa-on-arrival facilities to citizens of Bahrain.
“The tourism sector of Pakistan is steadily reopening after the easing of the Covid-19 situation and I welcome Bahraini friends to explore the scenic beauty and hospitality of our country.
“The Pakistani community in Bahrain is at the heart of our strong bilateral ties.
“Pakistanis in Bahrain are recognised as loyal, law-abiding, hard-working and friendly people who contribute to the well-being of people here and back home. They are our goodwill ambassadors and source of pride.
“We are thankful to the government of Bahrain for extending extraordinary support to Pakistani workers during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As the Ambassador of Pakistan and a friend of Bahrain, it will be my mission to work with my Bahraini colleagues to transform these close friendly ties into a mutually beneficial economic partnership.
“I wish the people of Bahrain and Pakistan continued peace, progress and prosperity on this special day.
“May Pakistan and Bahrain’s friendship live long!”
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