Bolingbrook Chamber to Welcome Pakistani Ambassador

Submitted by the Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce:


The Ambassador of Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Jalil Abbas Jilani, will visit Bolingbrook on May 22, 2014 at the Bolingbrook Golf Club at a dinner hosted in his honor by the Association of Pakistani Americans of Bolingbrook (APA). 

Jilani assumed his responsibilities as Ambassador of Pakistan on Jan. 2. Prior to his appointment as Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, Jilani served as foreign secretary of Pakistan from March 2012 to December 2013.

He is a career diplomat and has also served as ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union (2009-2012) and as Pakistan’s high commissioner to Canberra, Australia (2007-2009). 

Jilani holds a bachelor’s degree in law and M.Sc. in defense and strategic studies. In his professional life, he has specialized in South Asian affairs and remained director India (1992-1995), deputy high commissioner/acting high commissioner to New Delhi (1999-2003) and director general South Asia and SAARC (2003-2007). In 2005 he also served as the government’s spokesman on foreign affairs. 

This is the ambassador’s first visit to the Chicago area after taking office. The ambassador will be accompanied by the consul general of Pakistan, Hon. Faisal Tirmizi, at the exclusive dinner. According to the chamber of commerce, the purpose of the visit is to show the appreciation the ambassador has for the Village of Bolingbrook and to further strengthen the relationship between the United States and Pakistan.

The Association of Pakistani Americans is a major part of Bolingbrook's diversity. The APA has hosted the annual Pakistan Day celebration in Bolingbrook for 22 years. Thousands of people from the surrounding states flock to Bolingbrook to attend this event every year.  

The May 22 dinner is by invitation only and will be attended by many business leaders, political leaders and community members.