ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s business and diplomatic communities came together in Islamabad to honor the outgoing ambassadors of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan during a distinguished farewell dinner hosted by Zafar Bakhtawari, Secretary General of the United Business Group (UBG) and Chairman of D Watson Group.
The event was attended by senior diplomats, business leaders, government officials, and representatives of the diplomatic corps, highlighting the strong and growing partnerships between Pakistan and the two Central Asian nations.
Among the distinguished guests were UBG Patron S.M. Tanir, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, ambassadors, high commissioners, and prominent members of Pakistan’s business community.
Tribute to Diplomatic Service
Speaking on the occasion, Ahsan Bakhtawari, President of the Azerbaijan-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised the outgoing ambassadors for their outstanding contributions to strengthening bilateral cooperation. He acknowledged their efforts in expanding diplomatic, economic, and commercial ties and wished them continued success in their future assignments.
Azerbaijan Highlights Strong Bilateral Progress
Outgoing Ambassador of Azerbaijan Khazar Farhadov expressed sincere gratitude to the Bakhtawari family for organizing the farewell reception and reflected on the achievements made during his tenure in Pakistan.
More Read
He described the launch of direct flights between Azerbaijan and Pakistan as a major milestone that significantly improved connectivity between the two countries. Ambassador Farhadov also highlighted increased bilateral trade, expanded economic cooperation, frequent exchanges of high-level delegations, and the introduction of Azerbaijan’s ASAN Visa system, which simplified travel through an online application process.
According to the ambassador, these initiatives played a key role in strengthening both people-to-people contacts and business-to-business partnerships.
Kazakhstan Reaffirms Commitment to Pakistan
Outgoing Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kistafin reaffirmed his country’s commitment to enhancing relations with Pakistan. Looking back on his five-year diplomatic mission, he recalled important progress achieved through high-level political dialogue, official exchanges, and economic cooperation.
More Read
He also referred to the brief operation of direct flights between Kazakhstan and Pakistan, expressing optimism that air connectivity would soon be restored to further boost tourism, trade, and investment.
Ambassador Kistafin thanked the people of Pakistan for their warmth, hospitality, and friendship, describing his tenure as a memorable chapter in his diplomatic career.
Government Appreciates Diplomatic Contributions
Addressing the gathering, Additional Foreign Secretary Hamid Asghar Khan commended both ambassadors for their significant role in strengthening diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation between Pakistan and their respective countries.
He said their efforts had established a strong foundation for future collaboration in trade, investment, regional connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges.
Ceremony Concludes with Souvenir Presentation
In his closing remarks, Zafar Bakhtawari thanked the outgoing ambassadors for their dedicated service and acknowledged their valuable contributions toward promoting closer bilateral relations.
The evening concluded with the presentation of commemorative souvenirs to the ambassadors as a gesture of appreciation and goodwill.
More Read
The farewell reception reflected Pakistan’s commitment to deepening regional partnerships with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan while recognizing the diplomatic achievements of the outgoing envoys.
