Islamabad -  Political situation in Pakistan was the main topic of discussions at diplomatic reception hosted by Ambassador Istvan Szabo to celebrate National Day of the Republic of Hungary here at a local hotel on Monday.
Ambassadors of various European Union countries and their spouses attended the reception.  Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Resources Jam Kamal was the chief guest while a few other politicians and sitting MPs also attended the event.
Political developments in Pakistan with special reference to sit-ins and public meetings of Imran Khan and Dr Tahirul Qadri and their impact on country’s overall politics remained hot topic of discussions among the diplomats.
All of them were keen to find out whether the sit-ins and public meetings will impact the government of Prime Minister Sharif. Most of them were of the view that Imran Khan has initially missed the target and will have to wait now.
They concluded with consensus to wait and watch Imran Khan’s November 30 show of power in Islamabad. Earlier the reception started with playing of national anthems of Hungary and Pakistan.
This was followed by brief speeches by Ambassador Istvan Szabo and the chief guest.
In his remarks the ambassador shed light on the significance of the National Day of Hungary and its bilateral relations with Pakistan. He said Republic of Hungary celebrates the annual event with reference to 1956 revolution of Hungary against the communist forces of Russia. Highlighting Hungary-Pakistan ties, the ambassador said largely relations between the two countries remained economic-centric as Hungary’s oil and gas giant MOL has been working in oil and gas sector of Pakistan for decades now and has contributed significantly in Pakistan’s economy.
The Hungarian company, he said, has also carried out social work for the well being of the local communities. Cooperation in the education sector is also growing, he said and added that Hungary offered forty scholarships to Pakistani students for higher studies in Hungary last year. Efforts are under way to promote cultural and people to people contacts between the two countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Jam Kamal acknowledged the contribution of MOL in the development of Pakistan’s oil and gas sector and said Islamabad would continue supporting MOL and other foreign companies in the development of country’s oil and gas sector.
This was followed by the cake cutting ceremony. Later the guests were served with delicious food.