Report : Tazeen Akhtar / Photos : Raja Ghulam Fareed
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea (RoK) celebrated the National Foundation Day and Armed Forces Day on October 22nd, 2024 in Islamabad with a notable and noble demonstration of national enthusiasm, unity, determination for the defense and development of their homeland and with the heart catching display of Korean culture and sports including taekwondo as the reception also marked the inauguration of Korea Week in the capital of Pakistan that is bringing different enthralling events and activities from today to next 7 days. All events are free for entry for Pakistani participants.
Mr. & Mrs. Park Ki-jun, the Ambassador of RoK, along with their team hosted the grand and beautifully organized reception to celebrate the National Foundation Day and the 76th Armed Forces Day at the residence, the spacious lawn of which was packed with the guests from all walks of life. Senior representatives from the Parliament and Gov, foreign service and armed forces of Pakistan were present to express their solidarity with RoK.
Minister for Housing and Works, Riaz Hussain Pirzada joined as the Chief Guest. Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,Faisal Karim Kundi, Minister Information & Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, Minister for IT Telecom Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, Mr. Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan and Members from the National Assembly and the Senate graced the event. Their presence from all political parties of Pakistan expressed the deep mutual ties between the two countries.
KOREA WEEK 2024 – 22 to 27 Oct in Islamabad by Embassy of RoK – Cultural Gala with Famous Singers, Movie Day, Taekwondo – FREE for ALL
Minister Riaz Hussain Pirzada, in his address as Chief Guest, congratulated the Gov and people of RoK on their auspicious day and conveyed best wishes from Gov and people of Pakistan. He expressed gratitude to RoK for cooperation in development of infrastructure and communication in Pakistan. He mentioned other areas including trade, investments, industrial and defense as well in which both countries are strengthening bilateral cooperation.
H.E Park Ki-jun, the Ambassador mentioned in his remarks that the Republic of Korea, with its wealth of experience and technological advancement, stands ready to support and partake in Pakistan’s endeavors to take the friendship to the next level but it is not possible without the support of the Government of Pakistan.
The Ambassador shared that he is optimistic regarding the future of the bilateral relations and he is hopeful that the two nations will continue to strengthen their ties through culture, art, literature and music.
He further mentioned that the Embassy is celebrating the 2024 K-Week in Islamabad, including 2024 Korea-Pakistan Cultural Gala in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting which will be held at the Liaquat Gymnasium on October 23rd, 2024 and the Korea-Pakistan Movie Day which will be held on October 24th, 2024 and the 17th Korean Ambassador Senior National Cadet National Taekwondo Championship which will be held on October 25th, 2024.
Korean artists, singers and martial arts teams traveled from Seoul to Islamabad. They demonstrated their skills at the stage to the amusement of the guests. Their performance was highly appreciated by the ministers and the parliamentarians. The artists and taekwondo teams will be participating in the Korean Week events as well.
Pleasant weather and green lawn with many types of flowers around added to the already charming and elegant evening arranged and managed by the Embassy and the staff. Korean diplomats and families took special care of the guests and won their hearts for the hospitality and warm welcome.
The kids of the staff members of the Embassy presented a lovely tableau and received huge applaud from the guests. Cute kids were wearing Pakistani dress that was the expression of their love for Pakistan. Here it is worth sharing that both countries have many joint families. Pakistan Korean families are playing their own role in building bridges and cementing the bonds of P2P relations.
Last but not the least, the delicious dinner with a mix of Korean Pakistani dishes and deserts was another attraction for the guests who enjoyed the variety available on the beautifully decorated side tables. Live BBQ, fish and prawns attracted the foodies in large number. Finally, it was a great and memorable evening hosted by the Embassy of RoK in Islamabad.
