Greater engagement on the cultural and business front can further strengthen the close relations between Pakistan and Bahrain, believes Ambassador Jauhar Saleem.
The past year has been extremely challenging for Pakistani expatriates in the Kingdom. The community has fallen victim to a number of attacks during the unrest, resulting in the loss of nine civilian lives as well as substantial damage to property. Businesses owned by the community have also suffered damages.
“All international cities have their own issues, only the nature differs; the expatriate community should exercise due caution in its movements,” observes His Excellency Jauhar Saleem, Pakistan’s ambassador to Bahrain. “We’re hoping that those affected will be compensated, as per the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry.”
The Pakistan embassy has been providing emergency assistance, including organising visas for visiting family members and arranging for bodies to be repatriated through what the ambassador terms is an “unfortunate phase”.
On occasion of Pakistan’s National Day, celebrated last month, he underlines the close and fraternal relations between the two countries.
“The 90,000 strong Pakistani diaspora in Bahrain has greatly contributed to the progress and development of this beautiful country. They must continue the good work and further enhance Pakistan’s good name in Bahrain as well as keep abiding by the laws and traditions of the Kingdom,” he says.
Soft power
Cultural and economic diplomacy is the way forward for Pakistan, tormented as it is by negative publicity on an international stage, believes Ambassador Saleem.
“Pakistan is a country of great artistic tradition, with a rich cultural and musical heritage. It’s unfortunate that terrorism dominates the headlines. We want to disseminate the message that Pakistan is not a country of extremists. It’s a vibrant nation of enterprising people who are involved in the arts and industry,” he says.
The ambassador has opened a trade office in Bahrain and two trade delegations have been sent to Pakistan in the last eight months. Pakistanis own the largest number of small and medium enterprises in Bahrain, he says, and is encouraged to see trade bodies from Pakistan interacting with counterparts in the Kingdom.
The volume of bilateral trade between the two nations has virtually doubled to US$400 million annually in the last four years.
Over the coming months, he has lined up a couple of
trade events in Bahrain, where Pakistan’s top exports will
be showcased.
“Textiles form around 60 per cent of our exports and a fashion show scheduled in May will highlight the country’s cultural heritage as well as the business potential in this sector,” he says.
His Excellency holds the distinction of being Pakistan’s youngest Ambassador. A keen promoter of fine arts and culture, he has pursued cultural diplomacy in all his foreign assignments. His interest lies in Urdu poetry, which he feels should be the backbone of music from the Subcontinent. Since his arrival in Bahrain, he’s already held about a dozen cultural events including soirees, fashion shows and poetry recitations.
“There is no better way to foster closer understanding between two countries or cultures. Art transcends national boundaries; ultimately, we have to live together and build this country together,” he says
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