RAWALPINDI: Eminent economist, Dr. Shahid Hassan, received Russian Federation Foreign Minister’s special award.
The Association of Pakistani Graduates from Russia & CIS hosted a ceremony for eminent economist Dr. Shahid Hassan for receiving a special award from the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, in recognition of his contribution for the betterment of mutual friendly relations.
The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Islamic Republic of Pakistan H.E Alexey Yourivich Dedov was the Chief Guest while the National Security Advisor Lt. Gen (R) Nasser Khan Janjua was the Guest of Honor. Large number of senior diplomats of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Islamabad, businessmen, senior civil and retired military officers also attended the event.
Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador of the Russian Federation appreciated the efforts of Dr. Shahid Hassan for promoting friendly relations between Pakistan & Russia and put light on his tremendous contribution for strengthening and promoting economic, cultural and friendly relations between the two countries in recognition of which Russian Foreign ministry decorated him with a well-deserved award.
National Security Advisor Lt. Gen (R) Nasser Khan Janjua also appreciated the wonderful contribution of Dr. Shahid in promoting friendly relations which gave opportunity to both countries to collaborate in many areas.
Zahid Latif Khan, President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), in his address highlighted the importance of close relationship between Russia and Pakistan. He said that there is a need to further capitalise on the bilateral relations by exploring mutually beneficial avenues for bilateral cooperation. He said Russia is one of the reliable supporters of Pakistan and both the countries have been enjoying friendly and cordial relationship and understanding on all the major global and regional issues. Gradual improvements are taking place as Pak-Russia trade volume had increased from $400 million to $541 million over the last few years. However, more efforts need to be done as huge potential exists to raise the current trade volume. He stressed to re-design existing trade strategies to have a wider and pragmatic co-operation in trade and investment between the two countries.
RCCI chief appreciated the honorable award receipt by a Pakistani and assured the Russian Ambassador of the strongest desire of the business community to develop wider and deeper business relations with Russian counterparts.
On the occasion, Mohsin Sheikh, a renowned businessman working with Russia for a long time revealed the history of friendship with Dr. Shahid which spanned over several years and appreciated his efforts for promoting economic relations between the two countries. General Secretary of the Association of Pakistani Graduates from Russia & CIS, Engr. Iftikhar Ali, shared a brief account of the life of Dr. Shahid. Dr. Shahid Hasan who from his student life was a very active member of the Pakistani Soviet society “Lyallpur”, remained President of the Pakistan Student Union in Moscow. He was vice-president of the Association of South Asian students and represented Pakistan in several countries. He is a founder member and president of the Association of Pakistani graduates from Russia & CIS and Chairman of the organizing committee to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Russia. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine “Vipusknik”.
Later on, Dr. Shahid Hassan thanked the Chief Guest and Russian Government for the award and all participants for attending the event.
