ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): A dinner was graciously hosted by Rohail Anwar Butt, Executive Member of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI), in honor of the delegation of the Azerbaijan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry (APJCCI) that recently visited Baku.
The event was graced by H.E. Khazar Farhadov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, who delivered an inspiring address highlighting the growing partnership between the two brotherly nations.
Ambassador Khazar Farhadov, in his remarks, shared that there are currently three weekly flights from Islamabad to Baku and six from Lahore to Baku, with plans underway to start daily flights to further enhance connectivity. He noted that Zafar Bakhtawari, Secretary General of the United Business Group (UBG), was among the first to propose the idea of direct air links between Pakistan and Azerbaijan—an idea that has now become reality.
The Ambassador praised the Bakhtawari family as a “brand of patriotism in Pakistan,” lauding their continuous efforts to promote friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He further mentioned that the two consecutive visits of Azerbaijan’s leadership to Pakistan in recent months had been highly productive, yielding tangible progress in trade, investment, and tourism collaboration.
In the welcome address, Rohail Anwar Butt executive member icci expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ambassador Khazar Farhadov for gracing the occasion and acknowledged his dynamic role in deepening bilateral ties. Sharing his impressions from the recent visit to Baku, he described it as a “memorable and cordial experience” that left a lasting positive impression. He emphasized that such visits are crucial for expanding business opportunities and cultural understanding between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
Waqar Zafar Bakhtawari, President of APJCCI, in his address, expressed deep appreciation to Ambassador Farhadov for his personal involvement in organizing meaningful business meetings and interactions during the delegation’s visit to Baku. He described the launch of the Halal Food Festival in Baku, initiated by the APJCCI, as a “landmark achievement” that will help promote trade and cultural linkages.
He highlighted the vast potential for economic, commercial, and investment partnerships between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, expressing optimism that with continued engagement and shared vision, both nations will see remarkable growth in trade and tourism in the coming years.
Khalid Iqbal, former President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also praised Ambassador Khazar Farhadov for his tireless commitment and leadership in advancing bilateral economic and cultural cooperation.
The event was attended by several prominent businessmen and dignitaries, including Abid Bakhtawari, Haris Bakhtawari, Malik Mohsin, Umer Khayyam Abbasi, Rayan Anwar Butt, Usman Anwar Butt, Malik Shabbir, Awais Satti, Yousaf Rajpoot, Zargham Shah, Malik Nadeem Akhtar, Asad Aziz, Khalid Abbasi, Waheed Cheema, Shumaila Sadiquie, Shehzad Shabbir Abbasi, and Rana Billal, among others.
The evening concluded with a renewed commitment from both sides to continue working together to strengthen business, cultural, and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
