Naveed Hamid
Auckland, August 15, 2019
Members of the Pakistani community in Auckland will celebrate the 73rd Independence of their Motherland on Sunday, August 18, 2019 at 230 pm.
Organised by the Pakistan Association of New Zealand (PANZ), the event will be held at the Barfoot & Thompson Stadium, located at 203 Kohimarama Road in Auckland.
The Programme will comprise patriotic songs, prayer, speeches and food.
A number of stall retailing food and other items will be a feature of the Independence Day Celebrations.
Birth of a Nation
Pakistan attained independence on August 14, 1947.
Very few countries gained independence through a non-violent political movement.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan’s Founder and Quaid-i-Azam (Supreme Leader), led the nation to independence from the British Imperial rule.
The day reminds us of the decades of struggle, sacrifice and untold miseries suffered by our forefathers for an independent country where they could shape their lives according to their religious, cultural and social values.
Pakistan became a beautiful reality from a dream of Dr Allama Iqbal, under the Leadership of Jinnah, the vision of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and the collective efforts of all the Muslims of South Asia.
Remembering the heroes
It is also the day of remembrance of our fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives defending the homeland, not only at the borders, but wherever it is imperative for the greater cause of humanity. It also tells us how Quaid-e-Azam fought for Independence through a political campaign against the British Raj while abiding by their laws.
The spirit of the occasion should recall our duties as Pakistanis, among a variety of communities, to honour the laws of the land, live in harmony and strive for excellence as an individual and also as a community.
Christchurch Victims
On this day, we should not forget the Christchurch massacre of March 15, 2019, in which eight persons of Pakistani origin lost their lives.
Among them was Naeem Rashid, who bravely wrested the attacker and sacrificed his life to save many lives. He was honoured with Nishan-e-Shujaat (Symbol of Bravery), the highest civilian honour for acts of gallantry by the Government of Pakistan.
Love for Motherland
August 14 provides an opportunity for the Pakistani Diaspora around the globe to display their love and affection for their motherland.
Children growing far away from their homeland need a constant reminder of the ideology behind the creation of Pakistan.
Independence Day celebrations are a step towards eliminating the physical distance from the Motherland and bringing the true essence of Pakistan by inculcating unity, discipline in our ranks and faith for a brighter and prosperous future ahead.
It is also an occasion for our future generations of Pakistani origin to learn the culture of their forefathers in order to connect their roots.
About PANZ
Pakistan Association of New Zealand encourages the Pakistani Diaspora to be proud of their culture, language, values and the achievements of our youth.
We take this opportunity to show our true identity of a dignified and peace-loving Nation through our diverse culture, rich history, arts, food, songs, unity, zeal and enthusiasm to other communities living in New Zealand.
As the Quid-e-Azam said, “With Faith, Discipline and Selfless Devotion to Duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.”
PANZ is an elected body representing the Pakistani community in New Zealand.
Its objective is to promote better communication, liaison and understanding between the association and government departments, local bodies, ethnic and cultural associations.
Naveed Hamid is President of the Pakistan Association of New Zealand based in Auckland.
