This time, I travelled to Pakistan with a foreign delegation alongside Angela Canavan and Frank Corr from the Pakistan Ireland Business Council. Alongside our business meetings and official appointments, I must proudly say that Pakistan is truly one of the greatest nations when it comes to hospitality and generosity.

Both of our foreign delegates were overwhelmed by the warmth of our people. From state ministers, ambassadors, and CEOs of multinational companies to ordinary friends and families, every single person welcomed us with open hearts. The kindness, respect, and enthusiasm we experienced were unforgettable. I have travelled to more than 33 countries, and honestly, I have rarely witnessed hospitality at this level anywhere else in the world.

From the moment we landed, we were received at the airport and provided with security and protocol throughout the visit. I would especially like to thank the KPK authorities and security teams for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment while escorting and supporting us during our travels.

One of the most memorable experiences was visiting Shuja Alam Sahib’s ancestral village home. It felt like stepping into a living history museum, with records preserved across three generations of proud service to the country. It was truly an inspiring experience.

A special thank you to Shuja Alam, former Ambassador to Ireland, for the incredible care, hospitality, and time he dedicated to us throughout the visit, and for personally showing us around Islamabad. I would also like to acknowledge my brother, Rizwan Hameed, who travelled from Layyah to Islamabad and supported us throughout the journey.

We are deeply grateful to the Irish Embassy in Pakistan and their wonderful team for creating this opportunity and supporting the delegation. It was also a pleasure meeting PREF and receiving high-level introductions for future business collaboration with Pakistan.

A big thank you as well to everyone who hosted us, invited us for lunches and dinners, shared valuable insights into business opportunities, and honoured us with their generosity and thoughtful gifts, including the team at ACE Money Transfer.

This visit has created meaningful friendships, valuable connections, and exciting new opportunities. We are very hopeful that this journey will open new horizons for the Pakistan Ireland Business Council and further strengthen trade and collaboration between Pakistan and Ireland in the years ahead.

Proud to be Pakistani