Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) leading a delegation visited the Syrian Embassy and presented a cheque of Rs. 2 million to H.E. Dr. Ramez Alraee, Ambassador of Syria for the earthquake victims of his country.

Speaking on the occasion, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the people of Pakistan, including the business community, fully realize the problems being faced by the earthquake victims of Syria and would not leave them alone in this difficult time. He emphasized that all sanctions on Syria should be lifted in this difficult time so that the earthquake victims can get the needed goods and items easily and the problems of Syrians reduce due to the improvement of its economy. He said that the donations of is the first step for the help of the earthquake victims of Syria by the business community and expressed the determination that the business community will continue its cooperation with them in the future so that they can restore their lives to normal. He said that the Syrian President's visit to Iran and the United Arab Emirates will be a positive step towards strengthening unity among the Muslim world. He also discussed matters with the Ambassador for further improving bilateral trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Syria.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of Syria Dr. Ramez Alraee, thanked the ICCI delegation for presenting the aid cheque. He said that the people of Syria will always remember the help and support extended by the government and people of Pakistan to them in these difficult times. He said that due to the sanctions on Syria, the earthquake victims are facing severe difficulties, so the international community should play its role in lifting of these sanctions. He also thanked Pakistan for supporting Syria at international forums and reiterated that mutual cooperation between the two countries would become stronger with time.

Faad Waheed, Senior Vice President ICCI, said that due to the earthquake, Syria has suffered heavy humanitarian and financial losses, so it is necessary that all Muslim countries, including Pakistan, should play a role for lifting of sanctions on Syria.

Engr. Azharul Islam Zafar, Vice President ICCI said that Syria has a great Islamic history and the Muslims have an emotional attachment to it. He said that ICCI will continue to cooperate with the people of Syria in every difficult time.

Zafar Bakhtawari former President ICCI, Rizwan Chheena, Khalid Mehmood, Muhammad Yahya, Rohail Anwar Butt, Ch. Javed Iqbal, Ziaul Haq Abbasi, Amin ur Rehman and Raja Imtiaz were in the delegation.