The small but well-knit and highly successful Pakistani community will celebrate the 68th Independence Day of its homeland on August 23, 2014.
The event, organised by the Pakistan Association of New Zealand (PANZ), will be held at Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar School, Newton from 2 pm.
Association General Secretary Asif Iqbal said that the celebrations will also mark Eid Al Fitr, following the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
While the actual day of Pakistan’s Independence is August 14 (1947), Eid Al Fitr is likely to be on or about July 28, 2014.
Mr Iqbal said that the Programme will include speeches and cultural performances by the members of the community.
“As well an address about Pakistan’s Independence, the Programme will comprise interactive segments with the people, including a Question and Answer session, a singing competition with spot prizes and distribution of Awards to distinguished members of the Pakistani community in New Zealand. The event is open to all and entry is free,” Mr Iqbal said.
Festivities in Pakistan
On a general note, Pakistanis will be marking their Independence on August 14 in Pakistan with a renewed pledge to make their country stronger and more progressive.
The day will dawn with the booming of a 31-gun salute in the federal capital Islamabad and 21-gun salute in provincial capitals. Special prayers will be held for the country’s progress, strength and solidarity.
The Pakistani flag will be hoisted on principal public and private buildings throughout the country and all Pakistani missions abroad.
Homage to Jinnah
Seminars and functions will be organised to pay homage to the Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and poet philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
Speakers will highlight the sacrifices rendered by the people for the creation of a separate homeland for South Asian Muslims.
In addition, special exhibitions of photographs and documents relating to the Pakistan Movement will be held, along with Quran reading contests, debates and essay competitions
For further information please write to info@panznz.co.nz; website: www.panznz.co.nz
