Ambassador Saqib Rauf’s message on Pakistan Day
On Pakistan Day, I extend my warmest greetings to all Pakistanis residing in Bahrain and to our Bahraini brothers and sisters who have always stood by us in solidarity and friendship.
Pakistan Day is not merely a commemoration of a historical event; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the ideals upon which our nation was founded.
It is a day to reflect on our achievements, learn from our challenges, and renew our resolve to contribute to the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
As we celebrate this day, we must remember the sacrifices of our heroes and honour their legacy by working tirelessly for the betterment of our beloved country.
We remember the sacrifices of those who endured immense hardships and the unwavering resilience of our people in the face of adversity.
This day reminds us that the dream of Pakistan was never one of ease or comfort; it was a dream that required hard work, sacrifice and unity.
For pursuing the dream of a progressive Pakistan, we need our partners in international community.
Bahrain, as an important member of this community and a torch-bearer of peaceful coexistence, has always been a trusted partner.
The enduring bond between Pakistan and Bahrain are rooted in shared history and cultural values.
While our existing ties are strong, we must strive to transform these brotherly relations into economic gains for the two countries.
This involves actively pursuing strategic investments in key sectors, facilitating increased trade, and encouraging joint ventures that leverage the strengths of both nations.
Pakistan, with its vast potential in sectors like agriculture, information technology (IT), manufacturing and tourism offers numerous opportunities for Bahraini investors.
Conversely, Bahrain can serve as a vital gateway for Pakistani businesses seeking to expand into the Gulf region and beyond.
By prioritising mutually beneficial economic partnerships, we can unlock the full potential of our relationship and create a future of shared prosperity.
A key initiative, which can facilitate such mutual co-operation, is the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in Pakistan.
SIFC aims to facilitate investors from the Gulf region to launch projects in agriculture, IT, mines and minerals, energy, industry, tourism and privatisation.
Potential investors in Bahrain can use this route for high-return investments in Pakistan. Such investments, especially in the agriculture sector, fit in well with Bahrain’s economic development plan.
Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Bahrain holds substantial potential for diversification. The presence of a skilled Pakistani workforce in Bahrain, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, construction, engineering and finance, adds a valuable dimension to this interdependence.
Additionally, opportunities for collaboration in specialised training and education for Bahrain’s workforce, along with partnerships between universities, vocational training centres, and knowledge exchange programmes, present further avenues for mutually beneficial endeavours.
Bahrain has always been a second home for Pakistanis, and we are deeply grateful to His Majesty King Hamad, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their unwavering support and hospitality.
I urge my fellow countrymen to continue playing an active and constructive role in Bahrain.
As we celebrate Pakistan Day, let us also celebrate the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Bahrain and take pride in our rich history, cherish our cultural heritage and work together to build on our friendship in the kingdom.