Islamabad: The Pakistani community in London gathered at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel to mark Defence Day with a reception that celebrated their homeland’s military history and looked forward to increased participation in national affairs.

According to Press Information Department, the event featured Deputy Prime Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar as the chief guest. He praised the valor of Pakistan’s armed forces during the conflict on September 6, 1965, and their ongoing efforts in combating terrorism. The Deputy Prime Minister also announced plans for the representation of overseas Pakistanis in the Pakistani parliament through specially allocated seats, aiming to more effectively address their concerns.

The reception, organized by Syed Qamar Raza, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, and co-hosted by Muhammad Naheed Randhawa, former Chairman of the World Congress of Overseas Pakistanis, was well attended by the Pakistani diaspora. It also served as a platform for Deputy Prime Minister Dar to announce the launch of new PIA flights to Europe, which will facilitate travel for the large Pakistani community there.

Syed Qamar Raza took the opportunity to express his commitment to acting as a liaison between the government and overseas Pakistanis, emphasizing his dedication to addressing expatriates’ issues promptly and effectively.