ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, stated that the trade volume between Pakistan and Azerbaijan has reached $100 million and will continue to grow. He emphasized the special importance of relations between the two countries. He expressed these views while addressing the inauguration ceremony of a new branch of Chemist & Super Store in Islamabad’s D-12 sector.
The event was attended by Member of the National Assembly Anjum Aqeel Khan, UBG Secretary General Zafar Bakhtawari, former ICCI President Khalid Iqbal Malik, Chairman of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ahsan Bakhtawari, Arham Ahsan Bakhtawari, D-12 President Zargham Shah, E-11 President Iftikhar Abbasi, ICCI Senior Vice President Abdul Rahman Siddiqui, Vice President Nasir Chaudhry, along with a large number of residents and members of the business community.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Farhadov highlighted Pakistan and Turkey’s unwavering political and diplomatic support for Azerbaijan during challenging times and stressed the need to strengthen these relations further. He noted that defense, diplomatic, and political ties between the two nations are exceptionally strong and will continue to rise. He also mentioned the recent inauguration of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce, which will serve as a milestone in enhancing economic ties. He expressed his pleasure at Ahsan Bakhtawari’s appointment as its chairman and announced plans to introduce Azerbaijani products in Pakistani stores, with a future branch opening in Azerbaijan.
In his speech, Anjum Aqeel Khan praised Zafar Bakhtawari’s extensive diplomatic connections and his esteemed reputation in the business world. He acknowledged Bakhtawari’s contributions to the business sector, calling him “Baba-e-ICCI” and “Baba-e-Islamabad.” He further stated that economic stability requires collective efforts and assured that the current government is taking significant steps to strengthen the economy. He added that threats of being placed on the grey list and economic default have been averted, and Pakistan’s economy is on the path to improvement.
Khalid Iqbal Malik commended Zafar and Ahsan Bakhtawari for their services to the business community, emphasizing that Ahsan Bakhtawari’s tenure as ICCI President should be written in golden letters. He stated that the Bakhtawari family is known for its honesty, loyalty, and dedication, earning them respect both locally and internationally.
Addressing the audience, Zafar Bakhtawari expressed pride in having the Azerbaijani ambassador inaugurate this branch, just as the Saudi ambassador inaugurated the Blue Area branch and the Turkish ambassador inaugurated the F-6 branch. He emphasized his commitment to enhancing Pakistan’s positive diplomatic image alongside business growth. He thanked the residents of D-12 and assured them of continued developmental efforts in the area.
Ahsan Bakhtawari, in his speech, noted that when the PML-N took over the government, the economic situation was dire, but through the hard work of the Prime Minister’s team, economic recovery and job creation were achieved. He highlighted that over the past two and a half years, they have opened more than ten branches, demonstrating their firm belief in Pakistan’s future. He urged the younger generation to seek opportunities within Pakistan rather than abroad. He also announced plans to launch medical camps and a cleanliness drive under the Clean & Green Islamabad Movement in D-12.
Arham Bakhtawari thanked the guests and residents of D-12 for their participation. D-12 President Zargham Shah assured full support for community welfare projects in the area. Former E-11 President Zahir Abbasi and current President Iftikhar Abbasi extended their congratulations and assured full cooperation. Resident Association representative Hajra Saqib expressed optimism that the new branch would provide high-quality products to the community.
The event was attended by notable figures including ICCI Executive Members Ishaq Siyal, Zulqarnain Abbasi, and Waseem Chaudhry, along with other distinguished guests such as Ameer Hamza, Babar Chaudhry, Imtiaz Abbasi, Nisar Mirza, Saifur Rahman Khan, Abbas Hashmi, Muhammad Ehtesham, Saqib Ahmed, Shehzad Abbasi (President of Super Market F-6), Asad Aziz (President of Jinnah Super Market F-7), Raja Hamid, Yusuf Rajput (Group Leader of Blue Area), Farooq Awan, and Tahmas Butt. Representatives from the D-12 Residents Association, including Colonel Naveed Ahmed, Brigadier N.M. Sabir, Aslam Chaudhry, Hamid Sarfaraz, and Hajra Kashif, were also present.
During the event, Chemist & Super Store management recognized outstanding employees, including Fazal Din, Sahil Nasir Mehmood, Bilal Arif, Umar Saeed, Faheem Raza, Muhammad Abrar, Shehzad Gul, Nawaz Khalid Mehmood, Muhammad Asjad, Fahad Abbasi, Dr. Danish Mumtaz, Dr. Junaid Karni, Shahzeen Ashfaq, Muhammad Kamran, Shoaib, Ahmed Atif Shehzad, Tayyab Shabbir, and Muhammad Mohsin, awarding them for their exceptional performance.
