The newly found Pak-German Council for Culture and Democracy wants to give new incentives for the German-Pakistani relations and invites the Pakistani ambassador for dinner with Berlin politicians in Berlin-Treptow.

Berlin, 30. September 2006: this night many German politicians and friends of the Pak-German Council for Culture and Democracy were wondering what kind of country Pakistan was. A country beside Afghanistan, with Koran schools, Kashmir conflict, terrorists and nuclear weapons? The fact that the country has a completely different side to it with gorgeous palaces, mosques – with deserts, mountains over 8000 m and lush fields alongside cordial people with a population of over 160 million, was charmingly presented by Shahid Riaz, founder and new chairman of the council.

Being the host, Mr. Riaz brought together German and Pakistani guests with the Pakistani ambassador, Mr. Excellency Asif Ezdi. He thanked for the invitation and is delighted that socializing does not only take place on a diplomatic level but that the private initiative also wants to give very practical incentives, such as naming a Berlin street after the spiritual father Pakistans: Muhammed Iqbal.

Another guest, Andreas Geisel, (SPD regional chairman and town councillor) said: "I am surprised about the culturally rich and interesting history of Pakistan and how strong the oppositional basis is for more democracy." The Pak-German Council aims at strengthening the democratic power and civil society in Pakistan through a stronger German-Pakistani exchange about culture, democracy and social aspects. Both countries could learn more about their culture, music and poetry, since "in Pakistan the Islam was and is very liberal with Sufism and open for dance, poetry masterpieces and special pristine music", as Erik Gührs points out (co-founder and assistant chairman of the Council).

Ingo Colbow from Deutschlandfunk lectured that the country currently is at the crossroads between a liberal Islam with a strong civil society or fanatic terrorism with a military dictatorship. During his long travel through the country he gained many personally valuable memories, for example a great cooperativeness among each other as well as with foreigners. Yet, he also saw many people hungrily awaiting a better future and longing for better educational and professional chances. Young Pakistani people want to build their prosperity –here, Germany can help as a partner. Erik Gührs, (co-founder and assistant chairman of the Council and an emerging local politician) wants to give new hope to Pakistan's youth, which is captured in civil commotions between terror in the neighbouring country Afghanistan and the adjacent strongly emerging India, and wants to stand up for their chances within the globalized world.

As a sign of friendship, Andreas Köhler (member of the Berlin House of Representatives) received an "Ajrak" (traditional scarf in Pakistan) from Mr. Riaz and thanked warmly with the words: "We want to cordially support this initiative tonight and motivate more supporters to get involved with Pakistan's future." Mr. Khalid Usan Qaisar (vice ambassador Pakistan's) and Mr. Azam (spokesperson of the Pakistani embassy) alongside with other local politicians from Lichtenberg also took part in the dinner. Being a partner for both countries, the Pak- German Council wants to promote new initiatives and projects for a stronger intercultural understanding.