ISLAMABAD – It was like a festival rather than a routine diplomatic reception ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Mr. Said Hindam hosted Thursday to mark the second anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution.

Among the large number of guests who attended the reception were Pakistani dignitaries and senior diplomats largely from Middle East, Africa and Asian countries. Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi was the chief guest, while Federal Minister Sheikh Waqas was among the long list of guests attended the reception held in the embassy.
Amid cheers and smiles, the guests by and large were quite inquisitive to find the tangible attainments in Egypt in the wake of People’s Revolution and as result of what is generally regarded as Arab Spring. Interestingly, some of the foreign diplomats in their interaction with Pakistani guests were trying to draw parallel if any between marchers at the Tehrir Square and those led by Dr. Tahirul Qadri here at D Chowck last week.
“It is a good omen that democracy is becoming more popular in different part of today’s world”, quipped an ambassador from a European country while responding to a query from this scribe.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, he regarded Dr. Qatari’s long march as part of democratic process and expression of concerns of ten and thousands of Pakistanis.
Addressing the reception, ambassador Hindam said spontaneous and peaceful people uprising in Egypt was basically against dictatorship underlining that a new dawn has shined on the whole world where the will of the people will prevail.
“We are proud of what we achieved, but we are equally aware that we are not there yet, the process has begun and we are on the path for restructuring our economic and political structure to build our future on solid grounds,” said ambassador Hindam. He said that the people of Egypt have learned along their process that the culture of democracy good governance equality and justice are the basic pillars for the build-up of our economic and social stability and prosperity.
“I have felt the sympathy and happiness of the people of Pakistan for the positive development Egypt has witnessed, and I am proud to tell you that we appreciate and value highly the positive development that is taking place”, the Egyptian ambassador added.
On the political level he said Cairo and Islamabad are now, more than ever before, partners in promoting Justice Peace and Harmony, regionally and internationally, working together, along with other concerned nations, to combat violence and atrocities.
He said he was glad to see the volume of bilateral trade increasing with each year.