Pakistani Ambassador from Akkar: Pakistan Is Committed to Lebanon’s Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity

Pakistani Ambassador from Akkar:
Pakistan Is Committed to Lebanon’s Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity

The Pakistani Ambassador to Lebanon, Salman Athar, said that his country is committed to Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and always looks forward to strengthening mutual relations.
Ambassador Athar made these remarks during a visit with his wife to Takrit, Akkar, where they met Ali Mahmoud Al-Abdallah, Chairman of the Amaco Group, on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.
They were welcomed by El Abdallah, his wife, his son Mahmoud El Abdallah, and his brother, Engineer Mohamad Bashar El Abdallah, President of the Lebanese-Saudi Business Council in Jeddah, along with other family members.
The gathering was attended by several prominent figures from Akkar, including Sheikh Dr. Malek Jadida, Head of the Islamic Endowments Department in Akkar, Mohamad Murad, a member of the Higher Islamic Sharia Council, as well as other local dignitaries and community leaders.

Ambassador Athar

During the meeting at the residence of Ali EL Abdallah, Ambassador Athar said: "Pakistan enjoys excellent brotherly relations with Lebanon, and Pakistan looks upon Lebanon with great respect, and the Lebanese reciprocate respect and appreciation toward us. Pakistan supports Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both countries have a common position on various global issues."

He added: "Supporting regional and global peace is one of the main principles of Pakistan’s foreign policy. As an active country in the United Nations, particularly through its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, it has always supported initiatives aimed at achieving peace at both the regional and international levels. Pakistan has been elected a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the eighth time, and this clearly demonstrates Pakistan's role as a country that respects the United Nations Charter and supports all efforts to promote peace.

He said: "I believe that developing bilateral relations between our two countries is achieved through strengthening economic and trade relations, and this is what the Pakistani Embassy and its staff are keen on. There are many sectors in which we cooperate, and we are always working to enhance them. There are many Pakistani products that Lebanon can import, including textile products, surgical instruments, and many other products. Pakistan can also import Lebanese agricultural products and other products. Likewise, Lebanese investors can invest in Pakistan, especially since the Pakistani government provides many incentives for investors. We invite Lebanese investors to investment opportunities in Pakistan."

He concluded by saying: "This is my third visit to Akkar, and it is a beautiful place and the people are kind and possess exceptional respect. They hold great respect for everyone, especially Pakistan, and the message I would like to convey is that Pakistan stood alongside Lebanon in all the difficult stages, and we will continue these efforts, and I believe that with the passage of time we will achieve more goals in developing bilateral relations. I extend my thanks to all the people of Akkar, especially Ali El Abdallah, his family, and the esteemed attendees, for receiving me. This region is very close to my heart, and the people of Akkar are a hospitable people. Today we are celebrating Eid al-Adha, and this is an occasion for me to extend congratulations to the people of this region and all Muslims around the world on the occasion of the holiday, especially the Arab and Islamic countries and Lebanon. I extend to all of you my best wishes on the occasion of Eid al-Adha."

Ali El Abdallah

For his part, Ali El Abdallah said after welcoming Ambassador Athar:

“I am pleased to welcome His Excellency the Ambassador of Pakistan to Lebanon, Salman Athar, to my residence in Takrit, and I extend my congratulations to him and, through him, to Pakistan on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

The history of Lebanese-Pakistani relations is one founded on mutual respect. Today, Pakistan holds great importance for Lebanon, particularly through its sponsorship of negotiations between the United States and Iran. We highly value this mediating role because of its positive impact on the stability of our region.

We also commend Pakistan’s active role on the international stage as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, where it seeks, with responsibility, to promote peace in the Middle East through its wise and balanced mediation efforts.

This is especially important for Lebanon, which is facing severe massacres and Israeli aggression affecting large parts of our homeland. We see civilians—including children, women, and other non-combatants—being targeted, along with the destruction of homes, hospitals, places of worship, archaeological sites, and other civilian infrastructure. Entire villages have been razed before the eyes of the world. Such actions fail to uphold even the most basic human rights, international laws and conventions, or moral and religious principles.”

He added:

“Strengthening Lebanese-Pakistani relations is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This can be achieved by exploring joint investment opportunities in promising sectors and increasing the volume of trade between our two friendly nations in a way that serves both peoples.

We believe Pakistan is capable of playing a pivotal role in strengthening regional security, and in Lebanon we look forward to a deeper partnership with this friendly country.”

Sheikh Dr. Malek Jadida

The Head of the Islamic Endowments Department in Akkar, Sheikh Dr. Malek Jadida, said:

“God willing, this gathering will be a blessed beginning during these sacred days, as we are experiencing the final days of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, which are among the most virtuous days of the year.

With the arrival of Eid al-Adha, our joy has doubled today as we gather in this distinguished home a home whose family and men we have long known. This house represents all of us in Akkar; it reflects our values, authenticity, openness, and culture.

Today, in this home, we welcome one of the finest men representing a noble, kind, and great nation that holds a special place in our hearts. Pakistan is not on the margins of history; Pakistan is at the heart of history, and perhaps it will help shape history because it is a strong and influential nation.

We have learned much from the writings of Pakistan’s great thinkers and scholars, and I take pride in the fact that many prominent religious scholars come from Pakistan.

Since its founding, Pakistan has been a force for good, beginning with Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who placed Pakistan firmly on the world map.

We are honored to host the Ambassador of Pakistan during this blessed holiday, in these sacred days, and in this authentic Akkari home. Welcome. You are a respected and beloved man, and it is a pleasure to receive you.

Welcome to this home. Akkar continues to embody the values of natural goodness, tolerance, and noble character. We are delighted to stand alongside our dear brothers and to welcome you among this distinguished gathering of honorable men and women.

This reception reflects the esteem and appreciation you deserve. It is also a tribute to Pakistan, its rich heritage, authenticity, and global presence.

Welcome, and may you enjoy a blessed Eid. I pray that the blessings of this holiday return upon us and upon you in Lebanon and Pakistan, as well as throughout the Arab and Islamic worlds, and that goodness prevails across these lands.”

President of the Bar Association Mohamad Murad

Mohammad Murad, a member of the Higher Islamic Sharia Council, also spoke, saying:

“Ali El Abdallah has always accustomed us to creating opportunities for unity and bringing people together. He possesses a diplomatic quality that is rarely found.

Pakistan is growing closer to Lebanon through His Excellency the Ambassador and through our brother Ali El Abdallah. Pakistan is a great nation with significant influence and value in international relations, and it carries considerable weight on the global stage. Current events clearly demonstrate this.

We thank Brother Ali, who has always brought us together through these cherished gatherings. He consistently hosts meetings with social, national, regional, and international dimensions, aimed at fostering harmony and cooperation between the Lebanese people and the peoples of the world, including the Pakistani people, particularly through His Excellency the Ambassador.

Your presence here today, Mr. Ambassador, together with your wife, adds special value to this gathering and provides new support for strengthening relations. We also thank Ali El Abdallah for organizing this meeting.”