A large gathering of the members of the Pakistani community & students studying/living in Hamilton celebrated their Independence Day, 14th Aug. This is the day when the 200+ years of British colonial rule of undivided India ended in 1947 and resulted in formation of a separate nation, Pakistan.

The High Commissioner of Pakistan in New Zealand, Dr Abdul Malik was the chief guest at the community get-together organised on 17 Aug in Hamilton. Two NZ Members of Parliament, David Bennett and Jamie Strange, and a few City Council representatives were among those who attended the event.
Dr Malik delivered a brief speech on the ideology of Pakistan & the challenges being faced by the country.


A short video presentation, ‘Pakistan in seven minutes’ covering all provinces of Pakistan & prepared by youngster, Amun Mukhtar was a highlight of the event. Several other youngsters recited brief speeches and/or poems on the occasion.
Contributed by: Arshad Chattha & Aamir Mukhtar