December 30, 2003	Tuesday	Ziqa’ad 6, 1424

LONDON, Dec 29: The image of Pakistan in United Kingdom has now “improved” and both countries have started expanding trade and investment ties, said Abdul Kader Jaffer, former High Commissioner to the UK.

Addressing members of Rotary Club here on Monday, he said he was able to build bridges between UK and Pakistan during his 34 months posting in UK as High Commissioner.

He said High Commission in Lowndes Square, London’s prime area, owns three buildings now as freehold properties and Insha Allah when renovation is completed shortly their value will double and will be most impressive.

He said he took corrective measures to solve complaints of large Pakistan community. Pakistan has four consulates in Bradford, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.

He said he was asked to close one or two consulates. London mission and its consulates have sufficient revenue from passports and visas which not only meets annual expenditure but surpluses provided to other missions.

“In view of satisfactory financial situation and large Pakistani community in and around these cities I recommended it was not prudent to close any consulate but establish Honorary Consulate in Edinburgh. Both governments agreed and I hoisted Pakistan flag with honorary consul Scottish businessman Malcom Scott,” said Kader Jaffer.

He spoke of Pakistan Parliamentary group comprising some 50 members of both houses of British Parliament. Some MPs and members of House of Lords were very supportive of Pakistan’s policies.—PPI