The 82nd Republic Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was celebrated on 23 March 2021 at the Pakistan High Commission. Pakistan High Commissioner Babar Amin hosted ‘Pakistan Day’ reception, which was attended by Australian parliamentarians, officials, dignitaries, diplomats, think tank scholars, and members of Pakistani Diaspora.
The Chief of Protocol Ian McConville from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) represented the Commonwealth of Australia. He conveyed best wishes for the President and people of Pakistan and High Commissioner Babar Amin conveyed best wishes for the Queen and the people of Australia. The ceremony began with offering toast by Ian McConville and Pakistan High Commissioner.
Then national anthems of Pakistan and Australia were played by Australian military band.
High Commissioner Babar Amin in his remarks highlighted the significance of the day. He stated that on 23 March, the historic ‘Lahore Resolution’ was passed which brought together the Muslims of sub-continent to start a courageous struggle for independence which culminated in creation of Pakistan.
He added that Pakistan was focused on a transformational concept centred around socio-economic prosperity. He highlighted the three pillars of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision based on economic development; regional and trans-regional connectivity; and peace within our borders. He stated that the foreign policy of Pakistan was in line with the aspiration of the founding father Quaid-e-Azam of ‘peace within and without.”
The High Commissioner also highlighted the close and friendly relations between Pakistan and Australia. He commended the role of Pakistani Diaspora in Australia which was contributing to the socio-economic development and projection of soft image of Pakistan.
The High Commissioner also highlighted the grave human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) which had reached unprecedented levels since 5 August 2019. He stated that the Indian Security Forces were involved in extra judicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, crimes against women. He called upon the international community to play its role in preventing the deteriorating human rights situation in IIOJK.
The High Commission also arranged a Pakistani Islamic Calligraphy exhibition at the reception.
The reception included folk dances by Pakistani youth and a dress show by Pakistani children showcasing traditional and day-to-day Pakistani clothes. The Australian military band played Pakistani national songs at the event which were greatly appreciated by the guests.
Distinguished guests were served with traditional Pakistani dinner and refreshments.
Earlier on Tuesday morning, flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Pakistan High Commission, Canberra to mark Pakistan Day. The flag was hoisted by High Commissioner Babar Amin followed by national anthem of Pakistan. Messages of the President and the Prime Minister for the occasion were also read out.
The ceremony was attended by the members of the Pakistan’s Armed Forces and Pakistani community.
