DNA

Islamabad; September 29 : High Commissioners /Ambassadors-designate of South Africa, Italy, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Qatar and Switzerland presented their credentials to President Dr. Arif Alvi in a credentials ceremony, at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Felicitating the newly appointed High Commissioners/Ambassadors-designate to Pakistan, the President expressed the hope that they would work for further expanding and promoting economic, trade and political relations with Pakistan.

Mr. Mthuthuzeli Madikiza, High Commissioner-designate of South Africa, Mr. Andreas Ferrarese, Ambassador-designate of Italy, Mr. Tarek Dahroug, Ambassador-designate of Egypt, Vice Admiral (R) Mohan Wijewickrama, High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka, Mr. Hamid Abbas Ali Al-Aramshawi, Ambassador-designate of Iraq, Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman bin Faisal Al Thani, Ambassador-designate of Qatar and Mr. Benedict Edouard de Cerjat, Ambassador-designate of Switzerland presented their credentials to the President.

Later, the High Commissioners/Ambassadors separately called on the President. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Pakistan wanted to promote relations with all friendly countries in the areas of mutual interest. He stated that Pakistan was making efforts for promoting peace and stability in the region. The President apprised the envoys about the human rights violations and brutalities being committed by India against the Muslims of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said that India had been persecuting the minorities and international community was required to take note of gross human rights violation by Indian security forces against Muslims and other minority groups.