A cultural reception was held at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi to honor the visit of Ignazio Cassis, the Swiss Foreign Minister, who is on an official visit to Pakistan, representing the Swiss government.Accompanying Minister Cassis were members of the Swiss Parliament.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Sindh’s Minister of Education and Culture, Syed Sardar Ali Shah, Minister of Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Minister of Industries Jam Ikramullah Dharejo, Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Abdul Bari Pitafi, Minister of Universities and Boards Ismail Rahu, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, and Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh, Jawed Nayab Laghari, among others.Swiss Foreign Minister’s visit to Pakistan after 17 years has been warmly received by the Sindh government, who organized a brief ceremony under the banner of “Melodies of Sindh” to celebrate his honor.
Upon their arrival, Minister Cassis and the parliamentary delegation from Switzerland were greeted with traditional Sindhi dance performances.Syed Sardar Ali Shah, the provincial Minister of Culture, welcomed the Swiss Minister of Foreign Affairs and the parliamentary delegates, expressing gratitude and acknowledging their role as ambassadors of Pak-Swiss friendship and promoters of Sindhi culture.
Sindh’s Minister of Education and Culture, Syed Sardar Ali Shah expressed hope that the love and peace they experienced here will be shared in their own country.Syed Sardar Shah emphasized the need for collaboration in cultural exchange and promotion of tourism.
Speaking at the occasion, Ignazio Cassis described the reception ceremony as a splendid memory and expressed his gratitude. He mentioned that he has cherished many delightful moments of his life in Pakistan and expressed his commitment to continue the series of meetings aimed at bringing Pakistan and Switzerland closer.
Sindh’s Minister of Education and Culture, Syed Sardar Ali Shah affirmed his intention to visit Sindh again in the future.In his address, Mayor Karachi highlighted the unfortunate challenges faced by the country, especially the so called negative impact of Karachi. He emphasized that the delegates must have realized through their warm reception that the people here are peace-loving. He further emphasized the ample opportunities for Swiss companies and other organizations to work and invest in Karachi.
The Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab expressed a desire to collaborate in tourism and cultural initiatives.The event also featured performances by renowned musicians and instrumentalists from the region.
Borendo player Faqir Zulfikar, Surando player Muhammad Hassan Mirbahar, Murli player Sattar Jogi, Algoze player Akbar Khamiso Khan, Taj Mastani, and other artists showcased their talents and received tremendous appreciation from the guests.
The visit of Ignazio Cassis and the parliamentary delegation from Switzerland is expected to strengthen bilateral ties between Pakistan and Switzerland, as well as promote cultural exchange and tourism initiatives.
