Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — A farewell function was hosted by the outgoing Pakistan Consul General Aftab Ahmed Khokher at his residence on Monday. Several prominent figures from Pakistani and Saudi community and their families, diplomats, representative of various social and welfare forums and media persons attended the reception. Among the attendees were the new Consul General Shaheryar Akber Khan and Muhammed Naeem Khan, assistant secretary general at Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and other prominent personalities. Ambassador Mohammed Tayeb, director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) branch in Makkah Region, was at the occasion as Chief Guest. Qari Mohammed Asif recited few verses from Holy Qur'an. Junaid Wazir, vice consul (administrative), ably conducted the proceedings. While addressing the gathering Tayeb lauded, both in Arabic and English, the contribution of Aftab Khokher in the development and promotion of bilateral relation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He said during his stay in Jeddah, Khokher has made tremendous efforts to serve the Pakistani community. He appreciated the significant achievements of the outgoing consul general and said that personally he enjoyed working with him. Tayeb wished and prayed for Khokher's bright future in his new assignment as ambassador of Pakistan in Lebanon. In-coming Consul General Shaheryar Akber briefly addressed the gathering. He also praised and acknowledged the services of Aftab Khokher. Khokher thanked guests for accepting his invitation and expressed his gratitude for the support and cooperation of foreign office, consulate staffs, community forums and people. He also explained the excellent and highly commendable relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and the progress made by Pakistan Prime Minister Mian Mohammed Nawaz Sharif in uplifting the economy and stabilizing the current situation in Pakistan. A senior citizen from Makkah, Ilyas Ibrahim, presented shields as a token of appreciation to Aftab Khokher and Shaheryar Akber.
