Sydney: The Consulate General of Pakistan, Sydney hosted a reception at the NSW Parliament House to commemorate the Independence Day of Pakistan. The event featured the national anthems of Pakistan and Australia, accompanied by remarks from Mr. Qamar Zaman, Consul General of Pakistan, who emphasized the strong ties between the two nations.

According to Press Information Department, the reception saw attendance from prominent officials including the Hon. Jihad Dib MP, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Emergency Services and Youth Justice; the Hon. Stephen Kamper MP, Minister for Lands and Property, Multiculturalism, Sport, and Jobs and Tourism; the Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, President of the Legislative Council of New South Wales; the Hon. Lynda Volts MP, the Hon. Nathan Hagarty MP; the Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane; and Colonel Michael Miller LVO RFD, representative of the Office of the Governor of New South Wales.

The event was also graced by senior representatives from the diplomatic community, including those from China, the United States, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Italy, Viet Nam, Egypt, Romania, Switzerland, and Türkiye. The speakers acknowledged the contributions of the Pakistani Australian community to the country’s economy and society, noting its role as an integral part of Australia’s multicultural landscape. They also recognized the leadership displayed by Pakistan in recent Middle East conflicts, which has bolstered Pakistan’s standing internationally.

The celebration served as an opportunity to honor Pakistan’s Independence Day and reaffirm the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Australia.