How was your experience as the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka during the last two years?
It has been a privilege and honor to represent Pakistan in this great nation of Sri Lanka. My experience has been personally very enriching and professionally rewarding. I wish to express my love and attachment with my Sri Lankan brothers and friends in the following words:
“Tillthe10th of January, 2024 I am Ambassador of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, however, from 11th January onwards, I will be Sri Lankan Ambassador to Pakistan.”
Sri Lanka and Pakistan have enjoyed good relations over the years, even in testing times. Both countries have reached out to each other and helped whenever the need arises. How do you assess the strength of our bilateral relationship upon completion of your tenure?
Bilateral relationship started with independence of Sri Lanka in 1948, when our founding fathers Quaid-e-Azam and Sir D. S. Senanayake met and exchanged pleasantries. This was the base of our developing relations, which laid the foundations of unflinching brotherhood. Both countries have moved forward in further strengthening relationship in the fields of Education, Culture and Trade manifolds. The relationship between the two Armed Forces is also exemplary and heading towards strategic partnership. Recent successful Defence Dialogue between the two countries is a true reflection of furthering of our bonding. Moreover, our mutual relationship is absolutely unconditional with no strings attached.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have many shared interests like Ghandara Buddhist heritage in Pakistan. There were two significant events relating to the Gandhara civilization, which took place in Pakistan and in Kelanya, in Sri Lanka during your tenure. Can you shed some light on these events?
Pakistan is blessed with diverse religious sites and culture including Buddhist heritage at Taxila, Takht Bai, Sawat and many other places in Khyber Pakhtonkhuwa Province. Most Sri Lankans have limited knowledge of rich Gandhara heritage of Pakistan. We, therefore, initiated this effort to showcase Pakistan’s potential in terms of religious tourism, especially our Gandhara heritage. A visit of Venerable Monks to Pakistan was arranged, which helped us in spreading Pakistan’s heritage potential back here in Sri Lanka. In sequel to the visit, a seminar of Gandhara Heritage was conducted in Sri Lanka, which was attended by Venerable Monks from across the island. On many occasions sacred Buddha relics from Pakistan have been brought to Sri Lanka for tours. We will do our best to replicate that in future as well if a request is made by the Sri Lankan government.
Pakistan, like Sri Lanka, is also going through economic difficulties. However, Pakistan continued to provide educational assistance to Sri Lankans, through Allama Iqbal and Jinnah scholarship programs. Moreover, Pakistan High Commission also provided other form of assistance to deserving Sri Lankans. Will Pakistan’s humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka continue?
Indeed, Pakistan will continue with such scholarships and assistance programs irrespective of religion, cast, creed and ethnicity. It has nothing to do with our economic situation. Therefore, these programmes will Insha Allah continue, because of the fact that we consider Sri Lankans as part of our family. I have reached out to Sri Lankans while travelling length and breadth of the island, which really helped me to understand the dynamics of this great nation.
During your tenure in Sri Lanka, you have organized many exhibitions of Pakistani products including vegetables, fruits and so on. What are the prospects for further strengthening economic ties, between the two countries?
I believe, there is an immense potential for Sri Lankans investors in Pakistan, especially in sectors such as textiles and apparel, pharmaceuticals manufacturing, tourism development, particularly development of Buddhist Heritage trail, real estate & construction, agro processing and information and communication technology. By virtue of the shorter distance between the two countries, we can actually expand it to even further heights.
When SAARC was formed, there were lot of hopes that this region would work together as an entity. However, SAARC has become non-functional. The failure to resolve differences between India and Pakistan, with the issue of Kashmir being the main sticking point, has effected SAARC.Is there any hope that these two great friends of Sri Lanka, i.e. Pakistan & India will be able to resolve these differences?
I believe that Kashmir is a very vital issue, as far as Pakistan is concerned, and will remain vital till the time it is resolved. Any further progress in Pakistan-India relation has to be seen in the context of resolution of Kashmir issue. It would be the test of the UN to implement its oldest resolution in letter and spirit, as decided in 1948. Secondly, I strongly believe the Sri Lankan nation is very vibrant, educated and well aware on regional situation including Kashmir and Indian atrocities in Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Sri Lankans fully understand the blatant violations of human rights by Indian side in occupied Kashmir. Recently you must have heard that the five member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court of India headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachand upheld the abrogation of Article 370, noting that “Article 370 was a temporary provision and that the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir had no internal sovereignty”. Where in the world has this been accepted? This is actually revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir which we Pakistanis think as a grave injustice and an unjust verdict. Therefore, we will continue to raise this issue at all forums of the world.
It is indeed unfortunate that because of India’s negative attitude, a vibrant forum like SAARC is unable to make strides for the benefit of the huge population of this region.
Apart from Buddhist Ghandhara Civilization, there is also the bond of cricket, which connects both countries, what are your views on the potential of this convergence?
I am optimistic on the potential of this shared interest in cricket. Pakistani cricket team came to play in Sri Lanka, when nobody was coming here. Likewise, Sri Lankan team visited Pakistan during our difficult period. So, that’s altogether a unique affiliation, we actually have, however, our relationship has actually gone much beyond this, which is evident from the reciprocal visits of Ministers and defense hierarchy.
What is your message for the people of Sri Lanka as you leave?
I saw the resolve of the Sri Lankan nation during recent economic crisis. Being a resilient nation, blessed with patience, Sri Lanka has almost overcome the problems of the economy. Keep smiling and continue contributing to this great country in whatever capacity you can. I can also assure you that Pakistan will continue standing with you as a true friend always.
