January 6, 2006	Friday	Zilhaj 5, 1426

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BAHAWALPUR, Jan 5: A select gathering at a dinner function was in disbelief when German ambassador to Pakistan Dr Gunter Mulack levelled allegations of corruption against the country. He actually figured out that Pakistan stood at number 10 among the corrupt countries of the world in response to a question. The dinner was arranged in his honour by the Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday.

Shocked by the allegations, the present company — BCCI president Mahboob Nasir Chaudhry and his executive members among them — protested against the remarks. They, however, kept their cool to keep the function going.

Earlier, replying to welcome address of the BCCI president, the visiting diplomat highly praised Pakistan, its people and the potential of trade between Pakistan and Germany and promotion of tourism industry. He also talked about the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Germany.

A trade delegation of Germany was likely to visit Pakistan during next month, he said.

He said Germany had lent a hand for the earthquake survivors in the country. He also supported President Pervez Musharraf’s stance on the Kalabagh dam which, he said, was vital to the country’s survival.

He assured that the visa policy for people, especially the local business community, would be relaxed.

ANNIVERSARY: The PPP local chapter on Thursday celebrated the birth anniversary of the late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto by holding a function at a local hotel.

District president Riaz Dahar, secretary-general Muhammad Ali Ahsan, city leader Shakir Mirza and former MPA Rao Tariq Mahmood paid rich tributes to the late founder of the PPP.