Spain is a country that played key role in exploring the new world and many other territories in the past centuries. Columbus was supported by the Queen of Spain that paved the way to reach Americas. He had four voyages to the region between 1492 and 1502. Spain left deep impacts of her culture where ever the national flag was hoisted in various parts of the world. Spanish is still one of the biggest languages of the world spoken in many countries. Spain has a rich history of Muslim heritage as well. Spain is hosting thousands of Pakistanis that are contributing in different sectors of this great country. Spain is also one of the most attractive destination for the tourists.
A tourist can never forget the scenic beauty of landscape and cultural extravaganza and historical sites of Spain. Same was the reason that when Ammar Haider Zaidi, an officer in #JS Bank of #Pakistan visited this marvelous land of very hospitable people, he could not help preparing a memorable record of the journey that can impress many others who have not seen Spain so far. He discussed the idea of publishing a book on the pictures he took at different places, sites and cities of Spain with his friends including Ms Mehwish and Mr. Imran Haleem Sheikh COO of JS Bank. Both of them appreciated the idea and encouraged Ammar to select the pictures from his collection. The book ” A Walk Through Spain”has been published and distributed now. As the title explains , going through this book is near to going through Spain.
Ambassador Manuel Duran of Spain is a lively person who is always ready to support any activity that can help further strengthen bilateral relations. He hosted a magnificent launch of the book at his residence in Islamabad on 20 Oct 2021. It was the most highly attended event of the capital city in this year. Federal Ministers, Information Fawad Chaudhary, Commerce Abdul Razzaq Daud, Energy Hammad Azhar, Maritime Ali Haider Zaidi, Science Shibli Faraz, Railway Azam Sawati, Former SAPM Zulfi Bukhari were present at the occasion.
Other dignitaries present in the launch included ambassadors of European Union countries like Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Romania and others. Ambassadors of Morocco , Vietnam, Yemen, Jordon, Bosnia and many other nations also graced the event with their presence. Government officials, business men, civil society and press representatives were also invited.
Ambassador Manuel Duran introduced the author and his book to the audience. He said that bilateral relations are flourishing in all spheres. We attach special importance to business to business and people to people contacts and knowledge about each other. Spain is very attractive country for tourists.We invite you to buy a ticket and visit our country.
The author Ammar Haider appreciated the encouragement he gathered from his administration of JS Bank and Ambassador of Spain. He spoke highly about the hospitality of Spanish people. He narrated that he went to a village of only one thousand population where no one was English speaking but still he faced no problem. Instead he felt like he is among his own people and home.
The beautiful lawn of the residence was humming with the music and chit chat of the guests. Cold drinks and specially cooked Pakistani and Spanish dishes were served to the guests. Every dish was mouth watering.
The book will certainly go a long way in enhancing the bilateral relations and inviting more tourists from Pakistan.
Tazeen Akhtar
