Naveed Ahmad Khan         Photos by Ramzan MughalÂ
Islamabad: A grand reception and dinner were organized in Islamabad, on the occasion of Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif participated as the chief guest on behalf of the Pakistani government in the meeting held at Serena Islamabad.
In addition, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Mohammad Junaid Anwar, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Choudhury, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives of Pakistan Ahsan Iqbal Choudhury, Federal Minister for Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Minister of State for National Food Security and Research Malik Rashid Ahmed Khan, Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Kisho Mal Khel Das, Dean of Diplomatic corps & Ambassador of Turkmenistan Atadjan MovlamovSenators and members of the National Assembly, members of the Provincial Assembly, Ambassadors/High Commissioners of various countries, heads of the United Nations and international organizations, senior civil and military officials of the Pakistani government, leaders of business organizations, journalists, representatives of civil society, media personalities, and expatriate Bangladeshis were present at the event.
Indian Chargé d’Affaires Ms. Geetika Srivastava also shared the stage with Federal Minister for Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, despite the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. Her presence was seen as a rare gesture of diplomatic courtesy.
The event was a memorable evening  because for the first time  five to six federal ministers, senators, and senior government officials attended the reception, reflecting a thaw in diplomatic ties, especially after the recent political change in Dhaka following the fall of the Hasina government.
The cake cutting ceremony took place after the national anthems of both countries had been played.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Md. Iqbal Hossain Khan and his wife Nahid Raushan and officials of the High Commission welcomed the guests.
The reception hall was decorated with banners, stands, folk art products, flowers and lighting, highlighting the socio-economic progress, culture, tradition, tourism and agriculture of Bangladesh.
Welcoming everyone to the event, High Commissioner Md. Iqbal Hossain Khan paid his deep respect to the freedom fighters of 1971 and the participants of the July-August mass uprising. He highlighted the realization of the hopes and aspirations of the people of both countries to strengthen the relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
He underscored Bangladesh’s desire to maintain strong and friendly relations with Pakistan, while stressing the need for enhanced cooperation and mutual understanding.
 Federal Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif, in his welcome speech, congratulated the government and people of Bangladesh on behalf of the government of Pakistan on the occasion of the great independence and national day of Bangladesh. He highly appreciated the significant progress in the socio-economic sector of Bangladesh.
Referring to the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan and the historical relations, he emphasized the need to further strengthen these relations and increase the development cooperation between the people of the two countries.
The High Commissioner, along with the chief guest and special guests, cut a cake on the occasion of the day. The invited guests were entertained with various delicious dishes including Bangladeshi ones.
