On Saturday, 8 October 2023, Ambassador Azhar attended a luncheon in his honour hosted by the Honourable Chaudhary Riaz-ul-Haq Juj, former Member of National/Provincial Assembly and President of National Kisan Wing, Pakistan at Nemat Club, Okara. Present were Chaudhary Naveed Ahmed, President of Okara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), Chaudhary Shafqat Rasool, former President of OCCI, local politicians, regional administration, business community and civil society of Okara. Ambassador Azhar was accompanied by Mrs. Norwati Binti Majudi, Immigration Attaché, Mr. Mohd Sukry Bin Ahmad, Assistant Immigration Attaché - I and Mr. Naeem Sabir Virk, Translator/Interpreter of the High Commission.
On his arrival, the High Commissioner planted a tree at the lawn of the Nemat Club. Thereafter, National Anthem of Malaysia "Negaraku" and National Anthem of Pakistan were played followed by the recitation of Holy Quran. Col. Rtd. Mazhar Taimur, Chief Executive Abdullah Packages Okara welcomed the High Commissioner and his delegation and stated that the first ever visit of a Malaysian envoy to Okara will serve as a true source of inspiration for the people of Okara and that the business community was truly honoured to have this opportunity to engage with the High Commissioner.
In his remarks, Ambassador Azhar expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the host for inviting him. Ambassador Azhar stated that it was a matter of honour for him to represent Malaysia in Pakistan and to have met with the people of Okara. Addressing the business community, Ambassador Azhar stated that Malaysia and Pakistan were two brotherly Islamic countries and there were vast opportunities to enhance bilateral trade. Ambassador Azhar informed them that he assumed charge as the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan in January 2023 and had only good words to say about the people of Pakistan. He hoped that his visit to Okara would intensify the warm and friendly ties between Malaysia and Pakistan.
He cited the thriving agricultural activities in Okara. Whereas, Malaysia was importing food items from all over the world. He suggested as Okara positioned itself as a strategic agro-industry base, its produces could be exported to Malaysia and ASEAN region. He informed those present that Malaysia was located in the heart of ASEAN region comprising 10 member countries. Having a combined population of 660 million, ASEAN could be a viable market for Pakistani products and services. In this context, the High Commissioner invited Okara business people to use Malaysia as a hub to export their products to other ASEAN market.
At the end of the event, Mr. Naveed Ahmed, President, Mr. Shafqat Rasool, former President of OCCI and the Honourable Chaudhary Riaz-ul-Haq Juj presented shields of appreciation to His Excellency the High Commissioner. The visit was a success considering this was a first ever visit by a Malaysian High Commissioner to Okara. Based on feedbacks from those present and members of the media, they were appreciative to have been given the opportunity to engage and discuss on trade and other related issues between Malaysia and Pakistan, in particular Okara, with the High Commissioner and his delegation.
