PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

Internship Program at the Consulate General of Pakistan, Los Angeles

The Consulate General of Pakistan has launched an Internship Program for young Pakistani/Americans with the objective of providing them
hands on exposure to the working of the Consulate.

Applications are invited from those interested to join as intern. These can be sent at be at the following address or email:

10850 Wilshire Blvd Ste 1250, Los Angeles, CA – 90024. Email: info@pakconsulatela.org

Application should be duly supported by CV indicating educational and work experience along with a recent picture.

The candidates considered eligible will be interviewed at the Consulate before a final selection is made.

PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

Consul General Addresses Pakistani and American Business Community in Las Vegas

On February 15, 2011 Consul General, Ms. Riffat Masood addressed a dinner reception in Las Vegas, which was attended by local Pakistani community, local businessmen, Nevada and Las Vegas high ranking government officials and the visiting Pakistani companies who came to exhibit their products in the MAGIC Trade Show. The event was jointly hosted by Pakistan Consulate and the Trade Division at a local Pakistani Restaurant in Las Vegas. The dual purpose of the event was to encourage and support Pakistani exhibiting companies by providing them the opportunity to network with local American businesses; and to apprise local Pakistani and business community of the current situation in Pakistan and to acquaint them with new business opportunities.

While giving an update, Consul General stressed the importance of Pak-US bilateral relations and the crucial role Pakistani-Americans and businesses can play in strengthening and promoting the same. She said that the current challenges facing Pakistan, including security issues and setbacks to economic growth caused by the global economic downturn and massive flooding last year, call for communities and particularly businesses to come forward to help revitalize the economy of Pakistan and at the same time make profits from their investments and trade.

The Consul General emphasized the importance of projecting the realistic image of Pakistan in the US, where negative perception prevails due to adverse media coverage which usually ignores the positive side and strengths of Pakistan. She called upon the local Pakistani expatriates to play their role effectively in this regard.

Commercial Counselor Mr. Eazaz Dar opened the proceedings and highlighted Pakistan’s trade and economic strengths and its immense business opportunities with the help of well researched data and facts. While giving an overview of Pakistan economy, trade & investments, he urged the businessmen to visit Pakistan as the guests of Government of Pakistan to attend Exp 2011 planned for October 2011.

Consul General’s address was followed by a brief question & answers session which reflected the participants’ interest in Pakistan. The dinner reception concluded with a resolve to improve Pakistan’s image and enhance bilateral trade and economic ties.

PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi would be paying an official visit to the San Francisco from December 4-6, 2010 to attend the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue Conference (TLD).

The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi would be paying an official visit to the San Francisco from December 4-6, 2010 to attend the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue Conference (TLD). The TLD holds annual conferences, during which parliamentarians from Europeans Union and the United States discuss global issues, including economics and trade, climate change and terrorism etc. At this particular Conference, a session has been earmarked to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and its implications on the region. The Foreign Minister will address the session on Afghanistan and Pakistan on Sunday, December 5, 2010.

During his stay in San Francisco, the Foreign Minister will also attend and event organized by the Pakistani community of Sacramento and San Francisco.

Los Angeles
02 December 2010

PRESS RELEASE

The Consulate General of Pakistan, Los Angeles is organizing a consular camp
at Las Vegas (Nevada) on Saturday, November 6, 2010.

The camp aims at providing consular services including issuance of Pakistani visas, extension of manual passports, registration of U.S. born children of Pakistani origin, attestation of Power of attorneys and other documents, processing cases of manual passports and receiving NICOP applications etc. The camp will be established at Las Vegas (Nevada) with active support of Pakistani-American community at the following address:

4730 EAST DESERT IN ROAD,
LAS VEGAS NE 89121

CONTACT PERSON

Mr. Khalid Khan
Tel: 702-768-4919 (Cell)
702-433-3431(office)

Mr. Abdul Razzaq,
Tel: 702-496-1185

The purpose of establishing Camp Offices in various states is to provide consular services to the community at their door steps.


01 November 2010

PRESS RELEASE

Realistic appreciation of Pakistan’s national counter-terrorism strategy

Being cognizant of the threat and environment, Pakistan Army has conducted calibrated operations against terrorists and extremist forces. It has conducted large scale military operations in various parts of FATA and KPK to establish the writ of the state and disrupt/incapacitate Al-Qaeda and its affiliates.

Recently North Waziristan has been under sharp focus. Despite battling with the worst floods in 100 years, Pakistan Army continues to maintain a presence of over 34,000 troops in North Wazirisatan. Pakistan Army has suffered over 2057 causalities (including 500 shaheeds) in this area alone. Constant pressure and squeeze, without going in for large scale ground operations, has been applied on the terrorists, with success, gaining better control of the area.

While we understand ISAF concerns, any question relating to when, how and what is to be done in North Waziristan is based on judgment, keeping in mind our capacities, priorities and overall national interests. This in no way should be interpreted as lack of Pakistani resolves to fight terrorism.



Islamabad
15 October 2010

PRESS RELEASE

Consulate General of Pakistan - Los Angeles

Pakistan Students’ Association at UCLA organized an on campus banquet dinner in close collaboration with various other student bodies on 13 October 2010 to create awareness with regard to the requirements for rehabilitation and reconstruction for the flood victims in Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, the Consul General Mrs. Riffat Masood mentioned that around twenty million people had been affected by the floods in Pakistan. The requirements for rehabilitation and reconstruction for those affected are immense, for which the Government and people of Pakistan had been contributing to their maximum. She urged the students to come forward, generate funds, collect medicines and other items for the victims. She also urged the Pakistani American students to play their due role in portraying the correct image of Pakistan and organize various activities like seminars, film shows and round tables etc. She assured that the Consulate General of Pakistan, Los Angeles would continue to work in close collaboration with the student bodies for creating awareness about Pakistan’s history, culture and society.



Los Angeles
15 October 2010

PRESS RELEASE

Consul General Addresses American Business Community in Los Angeles

On October 14 Consul General, Ms. Riffat Masood addressed a luncheon gathering of leaders from the American business community in Los Angeles. The event was hosted at the L.A. Athletic Club by the Trade Division of the Consulate General of Pakistan to introduce the newly arrived Consul General and to apprise American business community of the current situation in Pakistan and to acquaint them with new business opportunities.

Consul General stressed the importance of the bilateral relationship to both countries and the urgent need to work together on issues of common interests. She said that the current challenges facing Pakistan, including security issues and setbacks to economic growth caused by the massive flooding this year, should not discourage American companies from doing business there. In fact, business collaboration between the two countries is more critical now than ever, and Americans can play an important role in revitalizing the economy of Pakistan and at the same time profit from their investments and trade.

The Consul General emphasized the importance of projecting the correct image of Pakistan in the U.S., where the media gives prominent coverage to adverse news events but often neglects to tell the other part of the story about the positive things going on in Pakistan. Consul General Masood encouraged more Americans to travel to Pakistan to see for themselves the charms and attractions of Pakistan, get to know the warm hospitality of the Pakistani people, and see the favorable business climate and economic progress firsthand. In this regard, she invited the business people to travel to Pakistan as part of a trade delegation to visit EXPO Pakistan 2011 in February.

The Honorary Investment Counselor for the U.S. West Coast, Ms. Faizah Bhatti, was also introduced at the luncheon. She presented an overview of foreign investment in Pakistan and encouraged U.S. businesses to take advantage of the favorable investment climate and incentives being offered to foreign investors. Ms. Bhatti, who also serves as Creative Director at the Gemological Institute of America, was nominated by Pakistan’s Board of Investment for this position last month.

Commercial Counselor Mr. Eazaz Dar presented a comprehensive overview of Pakistan’s economy and the bilateral trade and investment relationship, highlighting the importance of the U.S. market to Pakistani exporters. Mr. Dar elaborated on the many positive economic achievements in Pakistan during the past decade, including examples of major U.S. companies that are successfully doing business in Pakistan. Mr. Dar briefed the group on the activities of the Trade Division and encouraged business people to avail themselves of the trade promotion services available through his office.

The meeting concluded with a wide ranging discussion among attendees on how to enhance the image of Pakistan and the economic ties between the U.S. and Pakistan. All agreed to work together in this endeavor.

Press Release

The Engineering Development Board of Pakistan has developed an online elaborate data base of 1600 Pakistan’s Engineering Industries covering company profile, contact information, product line, certification, testing and designing facilities etc.

2.       The data base is available at EDB’s web site   www.engineeringpakistan.com  titled as “ Industry Pakistan” and provides detail information into the capabilities of Pakistan Engineering Industry and also promoting linkages with foreign counterparts.

3.       Interested firms and companies can take advantage of this information.

Consulate General of Pakistan

Los Angeles

July 9, 2010

PRESS RELEASE

 Foreign Minister addresses the Los Angeles leading Public Forum

             Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi addressed the Los Angeles World Affairs Council (LAWAC), on September 30 2009. During his talk, the Foreign Minister touched upon internal developments, role of the democratic government  in fighting terrorism and extremism, Pakistan – US partnership, and regional situation with special reference to Afghanistan and Pakistan-India relations.

            The Foreign Minister reiterated the resolve of the democratic government of Pakistan to fight and root out the menace of terrorism and extremism from its society with the support of international community. 

            Dilating upon Pakistan-United States bilateral relations, the Foreign Minister highlighted the existing “Strategic Partnership” framework and cooperative mechanism, which includes Kerry-Lugar Bill authorizing $ 1.5 billion aid to Pakistan for five years. He urged the US government to provide access to Pakistani goods by finalizing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

            The Foreign Minister stated that Pakistan firmly believed in promoting peace, security and development in the region. Commenting on Afghan situation, he stated that Pakistan has all along supported the people and government of Afghanistan towards peace, security and progress; as a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the larger interest of the region and Pakistan. The Foreign Minister emphasized that for regional peace and stability, Pakistan favours dialogue with India to resolve all outstanding issues including the Jammu & Kashmir dispute. 

           The Foreign Minister’s talk was attended by over 300 business leaders, investors, academicians, and people representing wide spectrum of the US society. 

             Foreign Minister Qureshi is in Los Angles on a three day official visit. During his stay in Los Angles he has several speaking engagements, which includes leading Think Tanks, research institutions, meeting with the LA Times Editorial Board, interaction with media and the Pakistani-American community.  

Press Release No. 13

30 September, 2009.

PRESS RELEASE

Foreign Minister meets the LA Times Editorial Board.

                       Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met the Editorial Board of the Los Angles Times on 01 October 2009. He briefed the senior Editors about various aspects of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy, Pakistan-US relations, and recent regional developments.

          Foreign Minister Qureshi elaborated on the democratic government’s successes in countering terrorism and extremism. He stated that the Government of Pakistan is resolute and fully committed to root out this menace; for which we need understanding and support of our friends and allies.  

        On further strengthening and deepening of Pakistan-US relations, the Foreign Minister stated that Pakistan needed enhanced access to the US markets. In that regard, he stressed the early signing of the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries.   

        The Foreign Minister declared that Pakistan is fully committed to peace, security and development in the region. He stated that peace and stability in Afghanistan is crucial for security and economic development of Pakistan. He added that no country has suffered more than Pakistan due to the wars in Afghanistan.

         On Pakistan-India relations, the Foreign Minister stated that our region is hostage to the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the peaceful resolution of which through uninterrupted dialogue is the only way forward. 

         The Foreign Minister also gave an exclusive interview to the Newspaper.

 Press Release No. 14

01 October, 2009.

PRESS RELEASE

Foreign Minister addresses leading US Forum

             Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi addressed the Los Angeles based prestigious forum, Pacific Council on International Policy, on October 01 2009. He elaborated the strategy of the democratic government of Pakistan, and its achievements, in rooting out terrorism and extremism from the Country.

             During his talk, the Foreign Minister dilated upon geo-strategic importance of Pakistan, internal political developments, Pakistan’s key role in fighting terrorism and extremism, Pakistan–US partnership, and the emerging regional situation. He said that Pakistan, being a front line State, has played a critical role in fighting terrorism and extremism. We are confident to defeat this menace with the support of international community and our friends. While discussing Pakistan-United States bilateral relations, the Foreign Minister urged the US administration to allow increased access to Pakistan exports, and to assist in capacity building vis-à-vis counter-terrorism. While reiterating Pakistan’s commitment towards promoting peace, security and development in the region, he elaborated Pakistan’s constructive diplomacy with India to lessen the tensions in South Asia.

             Commenting on the Afghan situation, the Foreign Minister stated that Pakistan wishes to see a peaceful, prosperous and stable Afghanistan in the larger interest of the region. The Foreign Minister’s talk was attended by over 200 political figures, business leaders, academics, investors, and a wide range of movers and shakers of the US polity.

             The Pacific Council on International Policy is an independent, non-partisan, membership organization, which seeks to promote better understanding of international issues. The Council's membership consists of a diverse network of leaders from a broad range of professions and business sectors. Mr. Warren Christopher, former US Secretary of State is the Co- Chair of the Council. The Council is closely associated to the present US administration. Many Heads of States/Governments, influential business leaders, philanthropists have addressed the Council membership.

             Foreign Minister Qureshi is in Los Angles on an official visit. During his stay in Los Angles he has several speaking engagements, which includes leading Think Tanks, research institutions, meeting with the LA times Editorial Board and interaction with the community.  

 Press Release No. 15

01 October, 2009.

Press Release

 Foreign Minister addresses – Pakistani-American Community on the West Coast

           Foreign Minister of Pakistan Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi addressed a large gathering of Pakistani-American Community on the forum of the Council of Pakistani-American Affairs on October 2, 2009.

              Foreign Minister welcomed the opportunity of closer interaction with the community and appreciated the important role played by Council of Pakistani-American Affairs in providing them with an effective forum to voice their opinion. The activities of the Council with special reference to political engagement in American circles were lauded by the Minister. He also acknowledged the role played by the community for greater understanding between the two Countries.

 In his first ever address to the community on the West Coast, he apprised them of internal political developments in Pakistan, in addition to discussing the on going campaign against terrorism, Pak-US strategic partnership and regional security situation.

 Dilating upon the political situation, the FM assured the community that democracy in Pakistan is fully functional and elected representatives are in resolute in steering the Country out of crisis. Informing the community of various initiatives of the government, he sought their support and invited them to invest in new promising ventures.  

 Elaborating on Pak-US bilateral relations, the Foreign Minister underscored the importance of strengthening existing “Strategic Partnership”, with particular reference to socio economic needs of people of Pakistan. While appreciating the cooperative mechanism in place, the importance of expediting various initiatives in pipeline including Kerry-Lugar Bill, Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs), and special development Plan for FATA area were stressed upon. He also urged the US government to provide increased access to Pakistani goods by finalizing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the earliest.  

Foreign Minister also reiterated Pakistan’s firm belief and concomitant contribution in promoting peace, security and stability in the region. He touched upon his recent talk with Indian counterpart and briefed about the efforts towards revitalizing the composite dialogue process to resolve all outstanding issues including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Commenting on Afghan situation, he said Pakistan has all along supported the people and government of Afghanistan to usher in a new era of prosperity and progress in the region.

The Foreign Minister’s talk was attended by over 300 prominent Pakistani-American professionals, including businessmen, doctors, engineers, IT experts and entrepreneurs. Foreign Minister also thanked the community for their generous contribution in Prime Minister’s Fund for internally displaced persons.

 On the side lines of COPAA event, the Foreign Minister Qureshi gave exclusive interviews to ethnic print and electronic media.

 Press Release No. 17

02 October, 2009.

Press Release

 Foreign Minister addresses RAND – a leading US Think Tank

           Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi addressed the RAND Corporation, a leading US Think Tank at Los Angeles on 01 October 2009. 

The Foreign Minister dilated upon the regional security situation, Pakistan’s contribution on war on terrorism and whole gamut of the Pakistan-US bilateral relations.  

            Commenting on the regional situation, Foreign Minister stated that Pakistan is committed to promoting peace, security and development in the region.  Pakistan believes in regional stability; and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.  He rejected the concerns about safety and security of nuclear arsenals of Pakistan by stating that that Pakistan has a foolproof multi-layered security system in place to protect our nuclear assets. 

            On counter terrorism efforts, the Foreign Minister stated that the Government of Pakistan is fully committed to eradicate this menace from the country.  Being a front line state on war on terrorism, Pakistan has contributed and suffered much more than any other country.  For peace and security in the region, he reiterated that Pakistan stands committed for an amicable settlement of all issues with India including the Jammu & Kashmir dispute.

 The Foreign Minister’s talk was attended by RAND Trustees, Board members, researchers and scholars.  RAND Corporation is a prestigious, US Think Tank which advises the US Government on foreign, defence and security issues.

Press Release No. 16

02 October 2009.

PRESS RELEASE

Subject:    Foreign Minister's official visit to Los Angeles - 30 September 03 October  2009

                        His Excellency Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister of Pakistan on an official visit will be in Los Angeles from 30 September – 03 October 2009.

                   The Foreign Minister during his stay in Los Angeles has several speaking engagements at different fora including Think Tanks such as RAND Corporation, Pacific Council on International Policy, Los Angeles World Affairs Council and meeting with the Los Angeles Times Editorial Board.

                   Besides these speaking engagements Foreign Minister will be interacting with the local media.  Interviews with press and electronic media are also scheduled.

                   The Foreign Minister will also be meeting the Pakistani-American Community members and will be addressing the community event organized by the Council of Pakistan American Affairs (COPAA).

                   The Foreign Minister will be in West Coast on his first official visit on the invitation of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council and Council of Pakistan American Affairs.

P.R. No.12

Los Angeles

PRESS RELEASE

Subject;        President’s Program for the care of Highly Qualified Overseas Pakistanis.

 Ministry of Labour and Manpower has launched a programme entitled “Pakistan’s Programme for the Care of Highly Qualified Overseas Pakistanis (PPQP)” to reverse brain drain and to facilitate highly qualified Pakistani professionals abroad for their placement through short to long duration assignments with Pakistani organizations / institutions.

The objective of the programme is to develop a data bank of highly qualified Pakistani professionals abroad and evolve a system to avail their expertise and advice through an online networking interface. An interactive website www.ppqp.gov.pk has been developed for this purpose. Under this programme courses of short-term and long-term duration would be sponsored by the National Talent Pool of the said Ministry, through which expatriate Pakistani experts can make contributions to various institutions in Pakistan.

 Detailed information can be accessed either from Ministry of Labour and Manpower website www.ppqp.gov.pk or Consulate General’s website www.pakconsulatela.org

 The Consulate General of Pakistan at Los Angeles encourages all qualified Pakistani-American professionals to place their bio-data on the website www.ppqp.gov.pk and spare some of their valuable time for various public sector institutions / organizations in Pakistan.

Press Release No. 11

Los Angeles

PRESS RELEASE  

Subject;        Consul General acknowledges US $100,000 contribution towards Prime Minister’s Special Fund for Victims of Terrorism.

  The Consul General of Pakistan acknowledges with gratitude that as a result of generosity of patrons to-date, the Consulate has Alhamdulillah, collected over US $100,000 donations for the dislocated people of Malakand, Dir, Buner, Bajaur, Swat and other parts of North West Frontier Province (NWFP).

  The amount of US $100,000 has already been transferred through banking channels to the Prime Minister’s Special Fund for Victims of Terrorism, which will be used for the welfare of the displaced people. Additional pledges by donors are in the pipeline.

  The Consulate General would continue in its endeavors to collect donations for the Prime Minister’s Special Fund for Victims of Terrorism. In this context, for patrons convenience, the details of the Consulate’s General Universal Bank Account with the Bank of America (BoA) are reproduced:  

Name of Account:      Consulate General of Pakistan, Los Angeles

Bank:                           Bank of America, N.A., P.O. Box 27025,

Richmond, VA 23261-7025

Account #:                  2260 0025 1361

For wire transfers:    Routing No. 026-009593 

            The Consul General while thanking the magnanimity of patrons and donors urges the Pakistani-American community members to remember the dislocated people in their thoughts and prayers and continue to contribute to alleviate their sufferings.

  The names of patrons have been listed on the Consulate’s website www.pakconsulatela.org.

 PR No. 9

June 23, 2009

PRESS RELEASE 

CONSULAR SERVICES FEES

            The Consulate General of Pakistan notifies fees for passport and visa services as listed below for public information;

PASSPORTS (MRP OR MANUAL)

Passport         (Regular)               $ 46.00                      

Passport         (Urgent)                $ 120.00 

LOST PASSPORT:

(i)    First Time Loss                     $ 92.00                      

(ii)   First Time loss (urgent)          $ 240.00                    

(iii)  Second Time loss (Ordinary)  $ 185.00                    

(iv)  Second Time loss (Urgent)     $ 480.00   

VISA:

Visa fee US citizens                      $ 120.00                    

(tourist/visit/family)

Business visa fee US Citizens        $ 180.00                    

            All applicants are advised to kindly note the above mentioned fee charges. For additional details, please visit the Consulate’s website www.pakconsulatela.org 

In case of any concerns/complaints in the context of consular services fees, please contact the Consul General on e-mail consulgeneral@pakconsulatela.org or record your observations in the Register placed in the Consulate General.

June 1, 2009

Press Release No. 8

Prime Minister's Message to the Pakistani Diaspora

MACHINE READABLE PASSPORTS (MRP)

         Machine Readable Passport’s (MRP), facility is available at the Consulate General of Pakistan, Los Angeles since February, 2006.  Pursuant to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), requirements manual (old), passports are required to be replaced with Machine Readable Passports by the year 2010.

 2.      Pakistan nationals holding manual (old), Pakistan passports and valid CNIC/NICOP are encouraged to obtain Machine Readable Passports (MRP) in lieu of their manual (old) Pakistani passports.  For Machine Readable Passports presence of the applicant at the Consulate General is mandatory.  For further details kindly visit our website: www.pakconsulatela.org.

May 7, 2009

Press Release No. 6

PAYMENT OF CONSULAR FEE THROUGH DEBIT/VISA/MASTER CARDS AT THE CONSULATE GENERAL

          The Consulate General of Pakistan, Los Angeles announces the introduction of Debit/Credit Card Machine facility at the Consulate w.e.f. October 01, 2007.  In addition to the existing practice of cashier cheques/money orders, the consular fee will also be accepted through Debit/Credit Cards.  Service fee to the tune of 2.5% will, however, be charged for this facility on each transaction.

2.       Only Debit/Credit/Visa/Master and Discover cards will be accepted.  In order to avail this facility a photo I.D. such as, Driving License of State Identification Card together with the Debit/Credit Card of the applicant will be required at the time of transaction.

3.       The introduction of this facility is to provide efficient and hassle free consular services to the Pakistani-American community members.

25 September, 2007

Press Release No. 9