Pakistan’s 70th Independence Day Celebrations
Pakistan’s 70th anniversary was celebrated with full zeal and national festivity at the site to International Specialized Expo-2017 in Astana with coordination of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). A large number of Kazakh dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps, EXPO Commissioners from other countries and Pakistani community living in Kazakhstan attended these celebrations.
H.E. Akylbek Kamaldinov, Deputy Foreign Minister, represented the Government of Kazakhstan on the occasion. Mr. Rapil Zhoshybayev, Commissioner EXPO-2017, Mr. Bakyitbek Shabarbayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan in Pakistan and his spouse were among the notable dignitaries from Kazakhstan.
The event began with the national anthems and flags hoisting ceremony of Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
Ambassador Abdul Salik Khan highlighting the importance of 14th August and said that Seventy years ago Muslims of the South Asian Subcontinent under the leadership of Quaid–e–Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah the founding father of Pakistan got a separate homeland for themselves where they could live in accordance with their own traditions, values and culture.
The Ambassador said that Pakistan today is a democratic republic of nearly 200 million people. We have not only an enthusiastic parliament, an independent judiciary, and free media, but also a vibrant civil society. He further stated that during the last three years armed forces of Pakistan, security agencies and people have rendered sacrifices to make Pakistan a cradle of peace, the government has maintained its focus on accelerating economic prosperity and progress. Pakistan’s GDP growth has increased from an average of around 3% over the past few years to 5.3% last financial year and is expected to further grow this year.
The Ambassador also highlighted the visit of Prime Minister, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, to Astana on 08-10 June 2017 to attend the17th SCO Summit and Pakistan’s strong commitment to cooperation with Kazakhstan in energy, regional connectivity and human resource development sectors.
The Ambassador also congratulated Kazakhstan for holding the successful International Specialized Exhibition “Astana EXPO-2017”. The Expo demonstrates Kazakhstan’s latest achievements in economy, energy and art. It is an event with a global reach aiming to preserve our planet and has attracted people from all around the world.
Mr. Kamaldinov congratulated on the 70th Anniversary of Independence of Pakistan and thanked for its support and active participation in EXPO. He noted that this event was being held in the year of 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He underlined that Kazakhstan is ready to develop mutually beneficial cooperation with Pakistan in all activities. He assured all possible assistance and said that there is a great potential for development of economic ties through the Joint Business Council and Inter Governmental Commission on trade and economic cooperation.
A colourful cultural performance was given by Pakistani artists, Mehram and his group on different themes of Pakistani traditional music at the venue. On Mission’s request a renowned Kazakh singer Ms. Aizat Karabekova, sang Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan and another song in a Kazakh language. These cultural performances were applauded by all the guests.
On the occasion the messages from the President and the Prime Minister were also read out at the pavilion. After the official ceremony at Expo- 2017 National Stage Pavilion, the guests moved to Pakistan Pavilion where Director Pavilion briefed about the theme and design of Pakistan Pavilion.
A reception was also arranged at Pakistan pavilion for the guests.