Month-long Pakistan Day celebrations initiated in the Netherlands
A month-long celebration of Pakistan Day in the Netherlands commenced with a solemn flag hoisting ceremony at the Embassy of Pakistan in The Hague on 23rd March. Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry unfurled the Pakistani color. Messages of the President and the Prime Minister were read out and prayers were offered for the peace, development and glory of our beloved country.
Two back-to-back grand Receptions were held in the evening to mark the seventieth anniversary of the adoption of the historic Pakistan Resolution. Around 250 Dutch dignitaries and members of Diplomatic Corps attended the first Reception while around 250 members of Pakistani-Dutch community attended the second Reception. Notable guests included President (Chief Justice) of the International Court of Justice, Director of Her Majesty Queen’s Cabinet, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Dutch Parliament, Chief of Dutch Protocol, Foreign Policy Advisor of the Dutch Prime Minister, Deputy Mayor of The Hague, and The Hague-based Ambassadors of all important countries.
A highlight of the two Receptions was a presentation of milli naghmas (national songs) by a famous choir from the Urdu Church of Holland Rotterdam. The Ambassador addressed the Reception highlighting the valuable contributions by Pakistan to the global fight against extremism and terrorism. The Ambassador also applauded the choir for their brilliant performance and also appreciated the community for their diverse contribution to the welfare of Pakistan.
The guests were entertained with delectable traditional Pakistani cuisine including specially flown in sweets by PIA from Pakistan. The guests particularly the Dutch and the Diplomatic Corps greatly enjoyed Pakistani food which now they are quite familiar with due to Embassy’s systematic promotional efforts such as holding exhibitions of Pakistani fruits etc.
The Receptions ended at a high inspirational note as all the member of Pakistani-Dutch community joined with the choir in signing the National Anthem.
Other events planned for the month include a talent awards for outstanding students by Pak-Dutch National Forum, Pakistan Community Cricket Championship tournament by PakPatriots, Pakistan Day function by Pakistan Welfare Association and Pakistan Day Seminar by the Pakistan-Netherlands Welfare Society.
The Pakistani-Dutch community distinguishes itself for its high national spirit and ever readiness to work for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
The Hague, 23 March 2010
Ambassador unfurling the Pakistani color on 23rd March 2010
Ambassador welcoming the Ambassador of China
Ambassador greeting the Ambassador of Turkey
Ambassador greeting the President of International Court of Justice
Ambassador welcoming the President and CEO of Dutch Cricket Board (KNCB)
Ambassador greeting Mr. K.J.G. van Oosterom, Foreign and Defence Policy Advisor
of the Prime Minister
Ambassador welcoming Mr. Hans J. Ormel, Chairman Foreign Affairs Committee of
Dutch Parliament
Ambassador welcoming Director Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Netherlands
Ambassador greeting Mr. R de Groot, Deputy Director General Political Affairs, Ministry
of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands
Ambassador greeting Mr. K Hartogh, Director Asia and Oceania, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of the Netherlands
Ambassador welcoming the Deputy Director General of the OPCW
Ambassador welcoming the Deputy Mayor of the Hague
Ambassador welcoming Mr. Hennis, Grand Master of the House of H.M. the Queen
Ambassador welcoming a leading Dutch importer from Pakistan
Ambassador addressing Pakistani community at the second Reception with the choir
in background
