KHYBER: Malaysian Ambassador to Pakistan Ikram Bin Mohammad Ibrahim paid a private visit to the Khyber tribal district on Monday and met a jirga of local elders, besides planting a sapling as part of the spring tree plantation in the region.

He had come to Khyber on the special invitation of Senator Taj Mohammad and stayed at his hujra in Shah Kas Jamrud. Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor Eng Shaukatullah was also present.

Addressing the tribal jirga, the Malaysian ambassador said his country had a longstanding friendship with Pakistan, which would flourish in times to come.

He said his government was deeply interested in further strengthening the bond of friendship and expanding mutual trade relations with Pakistan.

Thanking the tribal elders for according him a warm welcome, he said the bordering regions of Pakistan had their unique traditions and culture and as businessmen for centuries they were very peaceful people.

He said he had learnt a lot about local culture and traditions during his personal interaction with the members of tribal jirga.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2021