ISLAMABAD, Dec 24 (APP): Pakistan’s Ambassador at Large, Javed Malik is organizing an International Conference to support Democracy in Islamabad in which leading members of British Parliament will be taking part in January 2009. The event is expected to further strengthen relations between people of two countries.

This is a part of a wide ranging public diplomcy efforts initiated by him since his appointment as Pakistan’s Ambassador at Large. Javed Malik’s efforts are aimed at promoting a positive image of the country, and foster diplomatic support for Pakistan across the globe, particularly among the countries comprising Friends of Pakistan group, which was launched on the sidelines of the last UN General Assembly session.

His efforts focus on highlighting a positive image of Pakistan, and foster people to people contacts. Additionally, he has also launched the Pakistan International Forum, which aims at providing a platform to promote Pakistan’s interests globally particularly through cultivating cultural, business, and social contacts between people of Pakistan with people around the world.

As part of his work the Ambassador at Large, Javed Malik has invited five members of British Parliament to visit Pakistan to take part in an International Conference to support a Democratic Pakistan, and to hold meetings with the leadership of the country as well as the interact with members of the public. The delegation of Pakistan International Forum comprising Friends of Pakistan from British Parliament, is expected also call on President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Dr Fehmida Mirza, Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament, besides Federal Ministers and others.

Friends of Pakistan from the  British Parliament will also address the international conference entitled “Democracy in Pakistan: New Challenges and Opportunities”, being arranged by Javed Malik, in the Federal Capital in second week of January under the patronge of the Prime Minister.     

This International Conference is aimed at extending support to a democratic Pakistan and to highlight the positive opportunities created by the advent of democracy in Pakistan. It would also raise awareness on the challenges facing the country, and the opportunities that a democractic Pakistan creates for the world community. It would also call on the world community to support Pakistan in its vision for a democratic and progressive Pakistan

In addition to the conference, and their official engagements Ambassador Javed Malik will be hosting a reception for the Friends of Pakistan from British Parliament in which leading members of civil society, media, as well as the business community will be invited to interact with the visiting delegation with a view of promoting cultural and business ties between Pakistan and Great Britain.

It is expected that a Pak‑UK Friendship society will also to be announced which will further strengthen close ties between the people of both countries.