Syed Mussarat Khalil
JEDDAH — The agreement between Engineers Welfare Forum (EWF) and Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industries (JCCI) to establish a Saudi-Pakistan institute to offer vocational training to Saudis as well as Pakistanis is great step and it will help to enhance Pak-Saudi relationship in the long run, said outgoing Consul General Aftab Ahmed Khokher in a farewell reception organized by EWF in his honor at Al-Hamra Pullman Hotel.
Khokher, who is leaving the Kingdom after completing his tenure, praised EWF for its activities not only in the professional field but also its lead role in social and welfare areas.
He said, “As consul general it is my obligation to support organizations like EWF, Pakistan Journalists Forum, Doctors Forum etc. that have helped us to approach the community and tackle its issues. Otherwise in the past members of political organizations were taking lead but if some help was required they were not available. He said he wanted to allow all Pakistanis to have access to consulate facilities without any trouble.”
He praised the EWF for preparing an architectural design of two halls built in the consulate for facilitating consulate work to Pakistanis and other guests. He urged the EWF to create a database of Pakistani engineers working in KSA in different disciplines and also the requirement of professional engineers in this country in future. The consulate will prepare and submit to the government such information to improve the quality and skill of our manpower to further our role in the development of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He also requested the engineering community to pray for him, his family and for Pakistan whenever they go to the two holy mosques.
Earlier, the program began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Qari Engineer Mohammad Asif. Masroor Elahi, general secretary, conducted the program and welcomed distinguished guests. He also elaborated on the objectives of EWF. He also wished Khokher, on behalf of all members of EWF, all success in his future career.
Dr. Abdul Aleem Khan, president, paid rich tribute to Aftab Khokher’s efforts and qualities, and thanked him for persistently supporting the professional and welfare activities of EWF. He said that he has submitted details to JCCI for starting the vocational training program in Saudi-Pak institute and is waiting for their confirmation to start the training program. We have also submitted the courses that would be imparted during the training.
He said last year himself and Elahi visited Pakistan along with several Saudi investors, businessmen and traders to explore opportunities in Pakistan. “We had meetings with Pakistan President, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and few high officials and gave them clear message that there are good opportunities of investment and export if we can improve the quality of our products and also properly market and promote our products. We hope that our message was understood,” Khan said.
EWF later presented a commemorative shield to Consul General Aftab Ahmed Khokher.
