Pakistan has laid the foundation stone for a community centre in Muli (Meemu Atoll).
Pakistan's High Commissioner to the Maldives, Vice Admiral (R) Ather Mukhtar, and Mohamed Nimal, the President of the Meemu Atoll Council laid the foundation stone of the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah Memorial Pakistan-Maldives Community Centre in Muli. The foundation stone was laid during a ceremony held on Sunday.
The High Commissioner was accompanied by Zulqarnain Ahmad, Deputy Head of Mission. MP Ibrahim Nasseer (MDP-Mulaku) and MP Ikraam Hassan (MDP-Dhiggaru) were also in attendance at the ceremony.
The Pakistan High Commissioner also presented Council President Nimal with a cheque of MVR 2,621,400, to be used towards the construction of the community centre.
Speaking at the ceremony, High Commissioner Mukhtar said that the centre was "a gift from the people of Pakistan to the people of Maldives".
"We share much things in common", he said. "Our relations are based on common faith, historic links, mutual trust and respect".
He noted that Pakistan has been working with government of the Maldives in the areas of education, health, sports, human resource, social sectors and capacity building. The High Commissioner also thanked the people of Meemu Atoll for their hospitality.
Council President Nimal expressed his gatitude for the generous gift from the people of Pakistan, and he highlighted the need for a community centre. He said that the centre would "serve as a premises of temporary stay for those who seek medical treatment at Meemu Muli".
"It would be a place ot hold community gatherings", he said. "it would help in human resource and capacity building including many other community activities".
Zulquarnain Ahmad expressed confidence that the community centre would be completed in a timely manner by the management of the Atoll Council.