Independence Day, Armed Forces Day of Poland celebrated
Ambassador Pisarski urges full protection of civilian population in Gaza, Lebanon & Ukraine
Ambassador of Poland, Mr Maciej Pisarski Tuesday evening hosted a special event to mark Poland’s Independence Day and Armed Forces Day, commemorating the Polish people’s courage, valour and indomitable spirit.
The ceremony, held in Islamabad at the residence of the Polish ambassador turned out to be an impressive garden party where members of the National Assembly and the Senate of Pakistan, representatives of the federal and provincial authorities, ambassadors and diplomats from the European and the international community, media persons and representative of civil society turned up to greet Ambassador and Mrs Pisarski on the auspicious occasion.
Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Chaudhry Salik Hussain on behalf of the government, Prime Minister Shehbaz ShaRIF and the people of Pakistan extended heartfelt congratulations to the government and the people of Poland on the joyous occasion.
Poland’s journey to independence is a testament to the invincible spirit of the people of Poland, he said. He also commended the ‘great men and women’ of the armed forces of Poland whose sacrifices earned Poland freedom and sovereignty.
Pakistan, he said, deeply valued historically warm and friendly relations with Poland. From the outset, these bilateral relations have been based on mutual respect and goodwill, he said. One of the hallmarks of Poland-Pakistan bilateral relations is the invaluable role played by the courageous Polish pilots in laying the foundation of the Pakistan Air Force, he said. “Though these exceptional men belonged to Poland yet Pakistan lays claim to them in equal measures and continues to remember them as our heroes,” he remarked with pride. “We share a rich history of diplomatic relations founded on mutual trust, cooperation and a commitment to global peace and development,” he said.
Both countries remain actively engaged in strengthening the bilateral relations across multiple sectors, he said adding it was imperative to move forward in economic and commercial domain by creating B2B linkages and enhancing P2P contacts.
He also appreciated the active role of the Polish Oil and Gas company in Pakistan and looked forward to continuing benefiting form the Polish technical expertise in oil & gas sector and enhancing cooperation in renewable energy, mining, joint ventures in textile, manufacturing of vehicles, machinery, railways and agriculture.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Polish Ambassador Mr Maciej Pisarski extended gratitude to the distinguished guests for joining in the celebration, honoring Poland’s journey toward independence and the establishment of its armed forces. He noted that these national events mark a proud history for Poland, symbolizing resilience and the triumph of sovereignty after decades of foreign rule and partitions.
The occasion served as a reminder of Poland’s commitment to international cooperation and friendship, reinforcing ties between Poland and Pakistan, as well as the broader diplomatic community.
In Poland’s history, independence and freedom have always been defined by their precarious nature: never give in nor to be taken for granted. They had to be fought for and defended, he said proudly.
He said, “The Russian aggression against Ukraine has awakened old demons, who can only be contained by Ukraine’s victory. The aggressor must be repelled not rewarded. This is key to a just and lasting peace not only in Europe but also in other corners of the world,” he emphasized.
We will continue to stand with Ukraine and help the Ukrainian people to defend themselves.
He also urged full protection of the civilian population in Gaza and Lebanon and full application of the humanitarian law in that conflict. “Poland sent humanitarian aid to those affected and tragically, one of Polish aid workers was killed while delivering assistance to the Palestinians,” said the Polish wnvoy.
Moreover, a just and lasting peace in Middle East can only be ensured when the Palestinian people realize their right to live in their own state, side by side with Israel. Such also is a lesson from the history of my country.”
On bilateral relations, the Polish ambassador said Poland and Pakistan continued to work for the development of our bilateral relation.
“The trade between our countries gradually approaches US$1 billion and Pakistan benefits from the trade preferences under the GSP plus scheme, which makes the single European market its greatest export destination.
The Polish investors in the gas sector have proven to be successful and resilient.
Orlen-Polish Oil and Gas Company carries on gas exploration projects in Sindh and Exalo Drilling – which is also our sponsor today –provides valuable services for the Pakistani industry, he said.
Our embassy organized a first in many years trade mission to Pakistan this year, he said adding under the programme GreenEvo, Poland brought in a number of young and promising entrepreneurs, who promoted green and smart technological solutions to the challenges resulting from the climate change.
I am happy to note that some conversations which began during this mission are continued, he said.
I would like to congratulate Pakistan for assuming a membership in the Security Council. Only few years ago, when Poland sat on the Security Council, we developed a very productive cooperation with Pakistan. For example, our both countries worked closely to establish the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
Polish-Pakistani relations are 62 years old, but ourcommon history is much older. This year marks 100 anniversary of publishing a book by a Polish explorer, BronisławGrąbczewski, titled “ Through the Pamirs and Hindo Kush to the sources of Indus”. This account tells a story of his 1888 expedition to Baltit, which is the first documented passage from Central Asia to Hunza, that time to India, and today to Pakistan,” he said.
The highlight of the reception was soulful perfirmance of Sufi music by the Hunza artist Ms. MeherAngezHunzai who mesmerized the guests with her deep, resonant mountainous voice.
The presence of the famous Pakistani mountaineers Nazir Sabir and Sirbaz Khan at the reception asserted Poland’s love, rather obsession with climbing.
