Islamabad (Special Report): Minister of State on Finance Dr Aysha Ghaus Pasha has said that Pakistan and Poland enjoy historical relations. Both countries are moving towards development together. Both are working on common principles of freedom, peace and development. She was addressing the participants of Independence Day and Armed Forces Day reception hosted by Ambassador H.E Maciej Pisarski, Ms. Justyna Pisarska and Defense Attache Mr. Bogdan Obuchowski at the Poland Residence on 30th Nov 2022.
The event especially marked the 60 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between Poland and Pakistan from 1962 to 2022. Another milestone is the 25th anniversary of the activities of Polish Oil and Gas Company PGNiG and Exalo Drilling in Pakistan. Ambassador congratulated the partners on their successful operations in Pakistan that helped a lot in fulfilling the needs of energy for Pakistan.
The Minister, in her keynote address, felicitated the people and government of Poland and admired the contribution of Polish military officers who played key role in building the air defense of Pakistan in 50s.Air Commodore Władysław Turowicz (Pilot & Engineer of Poland) was serving in United India in Second World War. He along with 17 Pilots and 13 Engineers joined Pakistani government to extend technical help in raising the air force of newly born state of Pakistan.
Władysław Turowicz’s services were appreciated in shape of awarding him Pakistani military medals and by establishment of a memoir at air force museum attributed to him in Karachi. He is resting in peace in Karachi where “Reason and Faith” poem by Adam Mickiewicz is engraved on the place of his eternal rest.The Polish officers spent whole life in Pakistan and some are resting in their eternal abode in Rawalpindi as well.
Anna T. Pietraszek , Daughter of the late Air Commodore Władysław and Zofia Turowicz, authored a book “Freedom under the Pakistani Sky”. She has collected the memories in this book that very amicable narrates about the Polish Pilots in Pakistan.
Minister Aysha said , ” Poland is extending valuable cooperation in fuel gas and energy but the bilateral ties in other sectors are also remarkable. Both nations have huge potential to further strengthen and enhance the mutual cooperation.”
She appreciated the support of Poland in securing the GSP status for Pakistan at European Union that helped increase Pakistani exports to EU more than 1 Billion Dollars.Pakistan is keen to promote economic and trade ties with Poland.
State Minister expressed gratitude to Poland for sending humanitarian aid for the flood affected people of Pakistan. She also appreciated the cooperation of Poland government in facilitating the Pakistan students and diaspora during the Russia Ukraine War.
Poland joined European effort to bring in much needed humanitarian aid. We supported international organizations in their actions in Pakistan. Polish non-governmental entities joined the relief effort.
Ambassador H.E Maciej Pisarski, welcomed the guests that included senior civil and military officials of Pakistan, ambassadors of European Union, Central Asia and other countries.
He , in his welcome address, said ” Bilateral trade stands at 800 Million Euro. Poland has been one of the fastest growing markets for Pakistani products. Our ambition is not only to increase the volume of our trade. We would like to expand and enrich our trade and economic exchange to make it more a two way street, with more Polish business operate in Pakistan. Both countries have great potential to enhance the cooperation in Digital Economy and Defense sectors.”
Ambassador briefed the participants about the role of PGNiG in energy security of Pakistan. He said, ” The jewel in the crown of our economic cooperation is contribution of Polish companies: Polish Oil and Gas Company – PGNIG and Exalo Drilling to the strengthening of Pakistan’s energy security.”
PGNIG has invested more than three hundred million dollars in developing gas extraction projects in Sindh province. The company has brought in an innovative technology and unique know how to deliver to the Pakistani consumers Pakistani gas.
Ambassador shared the details of the humanitarian aid sent by Poland for flood affected people of Pakistan. He said, ” We are working in the flood hit areas along with international organizations. We sent relief through EU as well. Still a lot of work has to be done for restoration of the affected people.”
Regarding 60 years of diplomatic bonds, the Ambassador termed the relations as mature and solidified. He said, ” We have worked together to increase regional stability and
international peace. Poland is grateful to Pakistan for facilitation of
our evacuation efforts from Afghanistan last year. This year, we worked together to allow Pakistani citizens, mostly students, who were affected by the Russian aggression to reunite with their loved ones at home. We also cooperated in delivering humanitarian Pakistani assistance to Ukraine.”
“We look forward to expend our presence in areas involving new innovative technologies, addressing the needs of digital economy and green transition. Defense cooperation remains a potential area of grow.” Ambassador continued.
The host ambassador shed light on the history of Independence struggle of the Polish nation for decades. He said,” Freedom is the most highest valued thing for a nation. Poland regained its independence in 1918 after the division of 123 years but lost it after 20 years. It took 45 years for restoration of our independence with the collapse of communism and soviet empire . “
He said, “Today, we see the same history unfolding on our eyes. Poland’s neighbor, Ukraine, has been fighting for its freedom and sovereignty against a brutal and unprovoked Russian aggression. We salute Ukrainians.”
He expressed solidarity with Ukraine and pledged to continue stand with Ukraine for peace and stability in the region.Ambassador of Ukraine H.E Marciian Chuchuk and staff was also present.
Ambassador of Poland, H.E Maciej Pisarski, said, ” Poland together with our allies has wholeheartedly supported Ukraine. Poles opened their homes to millions of Ukrainians who have sought shelter in our country. Sovereign Ukraine is an indispensable part of united,peaceful and prosperous Europe. Russia cannot be empire which projects authoritarian model of government at home and throughout its sphere of influence.”
Battle of Ukraine is a fight for upholding the universality of fundamental rights and principles enshrined in the UN Charter.Freedom, sovereignty, territorial integrity, rejection of military aggression constitute a backbone of the international order which provides for peaceful co-existence of all nations – big and small.
Civilians have been victims of this conflict since the day one. Indiscriminate bombings, death, war crimes, rapes and all sorts of violations of human rights have been an ugly face of the this aggression. Recent targeting of electricity, water supplies and other
elements of civilian critical infrastructure pushes the definition of barbarity into new lows. .” Ambassador concluded.
A mini jazz concert by Polish artists was also arranged that amused the participants after the speeches of the host and the chief guest. Ambassador noted here that the cultural taste helps build people to people to relations.
An exhibition titled “Mom, I don’t want the war” was arranged at the embassy hall to shed some light on human sufferings during the wars. It depicted drawings made by children: Polish children who lived through the traumas of the Second World war. And Ukrainian children who have been terrorized by the ongoing war. The similarities and parallels are painfully striking.
The event was organized in the embassy lawn with a canopy and large heaters to save the guests from cold. Delicious food was served to the guests.