NaveedAhmad Khan
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry extended warm felicitations to Republic of Korea Ambassador Han Sungho on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan during a grand reception hosted by the Korean Embassy at the ambassador’s residence to celebrate Korean National Foundation Day and Armed Forces Day.
Federal Minister for Investment Qaisar Ahmed Shaikh, Minister of State for Law and Human Rights Barrister Aqeel Malik, parliamentarians, diplomats, business leaders, friends of South Korea and media representatives attended the event.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said Pakistan attached great importance to its longstanding relations with South Korea. He praised the country’s transformation into a global economic and technological powerhouse, attributing its success to resilience, innovation, human capital development and visionary policymaking.
He said Pakistan valued Korea’s expertise in industrial development, technology, infrastructure, education and skills development, expressing the desire to expand trade, investment, business-to-business cooperation and human resource development. He also highlighted discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and appreciated development assistance provided through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
In his welcome address, Ambassador Han Sungho described the 43-year diplomatic relationship as one built on mutual trust and friendship, calling its essence “Dosti.” He recalled Pakistan’s humanitarian assistance to South Korea during the Korean War in 1950, before formal diplomatic relations were established.
The ambassador highlighted Korean cooperation in information technology, healthcare, agriculture, food security and cultural heritage. He also welcomed the inauguration of Daanish IT Park, a Korean-supported project aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s IT sector and exports.
The reception featured Pakistani and Korean cultural performances, Korean cuisine, a martial arts demonstration and a showcase of Korea’s defence technology, celebrating the enduring friendship between the two countries.
