Colombo, September 28 (newsin.asia): In his farewell message to the people of Sri Lanka, Pakistan’s High Commissioner Maj.Gen.(Retd.) Muhammad Saad Khattak thanked the government, people and Buddhist monks of the island nation for the respect and love shown to him during his tenure here.
However, he added that “bureaucratic foot-dragging” has been a “retarding factor” preventing the full realization of the wishes of the leadership of the two countries.
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Despite the pandemic he and the Pakistani mission staff engaged with their Sri Lankan brethren in every nook and corner of the country. From Jaffna to Hambantota and Batticaloa/Trincomalee to Colombo, the love and respect displayed towards Pakistan were clearly visible in the shine seen in every Sri Lankan eye during his visits, he said.
He noted that ordinary Sri Lankans provided vision to numerous Pakistani men and women through their generous donations of cornea, for which Pakistanis shall always remain grateful.
The extraordinary reception accorded to the Pakistani Prime Minister and his successful visit in February 2021, spoke volumes for the depth and cordiality of relations going deep into our mutual respect at people to people levels, he said. But bureaucratic foot-dragging (due to variety of reasons and interests) remains a retarding factor in fully realizing the common vision of our leadership,” Gen.Khattak pointed out.
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“I sincerely thank the Sri Lankan leadership, military hierarchy and common Sri Lankans for their wholehearted acknowledgement of our support in the critical war for Sri Lanka’s national survival. Pakistan remains steadfast in its tangible support for Sri Lanka as recently evidenced during the last UNHRC meeting at Geneva,” he stressed.
“The respect, love and understanding demonstrated by the Most Venerable Monks during my frequent interactions with them across the Island, further strengthened my understanding of their positive and effective role in fostering religious harmony among the followers of all beliefs. The visit of Most Venerable Monks to Pakistan in April 2021 greatly cemented their stance about the importance our government and people accord to the preservation of Buddhist heritage in Pakistan. “
“A state of the art documentary on “Gandhara-Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan” recently prepared by the High Commission is ready to be aired soon. It will surely add to strengthening our bonds, further facilitating people to people contacts,” Gen.Khattak said.
“In the end, on behalf of myself and my team I would like to extend my gratitude and thanks to the Government and people of this great country for their support and goodwill during my stint as Pakistan’s High Commissioner,” the envoy said.
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