Ambassador of Qatar to Pakistan, Mr. Saqr Bin Mubarak Al-Mansouri hosted a colorful reception to celebrate the country’s national day in Islamabad on Monday. A spirit of patriotism and national pride filled the air as a vast array of displays were showcased to celebrate the event. Federal Minister for Privatization, Denial Aziz was the chief guest on the occasion.

A large number of  diplomats, Armed Forces officers of Pakistan and the diplomatic Defence Corps were among the guests. The ceremony began with the playing of national anthems of Qatar and Pakistan. The celebrations started with the singing of National anthem of both Pakistan and Qatar and celebration cake was cut on the stage.

Addressing on the occasion Ambassador of Qatar to Pakistan Mr. Saqr Bin Mubarak Al-Mansouri  highlighted the brotherly relations between Qatar and Pakistan. In the coming years, we will continue to strengthen the bonds between our two countries, he added. The Ambassador reassured that Qatar was very well aware of Pakistan’s energy woes and economic challenges and would extend all cooperation to help the country resolve these woes. Qatar plays an important role in cooperation with Pakistan in humanitarian fields and indeed in the energy sector, he maintained.

Minister Daniyal Aziz, while thanking the hosts said Pakistan always looked forward to further strengthening its bond of friendship and brotherhood with Qatar. Pakistani community is rendering valuable services in Qatar in medical, engineering, education and working sectors. He furthermore underlined that Pakistan attaches importance to its ties with Qatar. The trade volume between the countries has in recent years passed $1000 million. He wished the Qatari ambassador and the country’s nationals great times ahead to celebrate their national day in true spirits.

Among the prominent personalities and diplomats who had turned up to congratulate Qatari ambassador included Deputy Chairman of Senate Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman Sheikh Mohammed Omar Ahmed Al Marhoon, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Ambassadors of Palestine, Jordan,  Spain, Ukraine, Romania, Azerbaijan, Iran and Iraq, Senator Lt Gen (R) Abdul Qayyum, former Senator Salim Saifullah, Abdullah Gul, Charge d’affaires of Korea, DHM of Japan embassy Mr Junya Matsuura , PTI leader Dr Shehzad Wasim and Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Sirajul Haq.