Report: Muhammad Amir Siddique Journalist Vienna Austria.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Vienna organised the joint celebration of the Independence Day and the Defence Day on 27 January 2023.
The venue was beautifully bedecked with Pakistani flags. Children dressed in traditional Pakistani costumes, presented tableaus and sang national songs.
Highlight of the event was the performance by the famous Pakistan singer and social activist Abrar ul Haq. Another local Pakistani artiste Sarfraz Kopp also sang national songs on the occasion.
Prominent guests on the occasion included Ms. Brigitt Blaha, Austria’s former ambassador to Pakistan and the President of the Austria Pakistan Friendship Society.
Addressing the audience, Ambassador Aftab Ahmad Khokher said that the event provided the Pakistani community an occasion to get together and celebrate their love for the homeland. He said that the the overseas Pakistanis were an asset for the country and had always risen to the occasion by generously contributing to national causes. He urged the community to always transcend above their differences and affirm their common identity as Pakistanis. He added that the strength of the overseas Pakistanis was Pakistan’s strength and that they should seek greater participation in the social and political lives of their host countries. This would not only enable them to defend and promote their common interests but also help them serve as a bridge between Pakistan and their countries of emigration.
The event was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience who had come from all over Austria and Slovakia. They were served traditional Pakistani cuisine.
