Tazeen Akhtar | Islamabad
Ambassador of Romania Dr. Dan Stoenescu and his team in Islamabad hosted a reception at the Romanian Residence to celebrate Independence Day of Romania in collaboration with Peshawar Barracks , a four star hotel in the heart of Peshawar with a historical legacy.
Honorary Consul of Romania in Peshawar Mr. and Mrs. Masood Ahmad Qazi brought the colors of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from Peshawar Barracks, established in 1967 and contributed a lot in making the reception a memory that will be cherished for a long time ahead.
It was KP Evening with Pakhtoon cuisine with live BBQ , traditional music and dance performance side by side with Romanian traditional culture including the dresses of the staff , white shirts with mosaic work on them in different colors and designs that resembled Pakistani traditional dresses.
The Ambassador in his address shared information about the history on Independence Day of Romania. He said, 10 May is our Independence day in 1877 and it is the Day of Romanian Monarchy as well. It is close to Europe Day, which is 09 May. Romania is a proud member of the EU and NATO.
The 10th of May has never been celebrated before in Pakistan. For this reason, we wished to inaugurate a new tradition and celebrate together with our Pakistani friends and members of the diplomatic corps in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
“May 10 holds a triple historical significance for Romania and is today celebrated as Romania’s National Independence Day. Historically, it also served as Romania’s National Day (1866–1947), marking the arrival of Prince Carol I in Romania (1866), the proclamation of State Independence (1877), and the coronation of Romania’s first King (1881). We celebrate this day just one day after we celebrated Europe Day together with all EU member states, Ambassador detailed.
He expressed solidarity with Ukraine. He said, ” We strongly support the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
Mr. Masood Ahmad Qazi , showcasing his province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, shed light on the history of hospitality of KP. He expressed gratitude to the Ambassador for providing a platform where the real Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been introduced.
He said, we have brought the message of peace, love and graciousness from our province. He said, we are not difficult people to handle. We are friends. You take one step towards us and we will take two steps towards you.
About the history of wars, Masood said, KP has always been at the front foot in the wars in this region. KP has been subjected to great losses ( of lives and infrastructure)but we are hopeful that we can cover up with the support of the international community.
He welcomed the guests to visit Peshawar where they will be welcomed warmly.
A large number of ambassadors and diplomats from EU countries and others , business representatives, media persons were present at the occasion.
Alongside Romanian traditional dances and costumes, the theme of this year’s Romanian National Independence Day celebration was Romanian–Pakistani friendship and the culture of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in northwestern Pakistan.
Guests enjoyed a rabab concert, traditional Pashtun dances, and authentic dishes such as spicy Chapli Kebab, fragrant Kabuli Pulao, and slowly cooked Dum Pukht.
May 10th is a seminal date in Romanian history, formerly celebrated as the National Day (1866–1947) because it marks three major pillars of the modern state: the arrival of Prince Carol I (1866), the proclamation of independence from the Ottoman Empire (1877), and the coronation of King Carol I (1881).It symbolizes the establishment of the monarchy and national sovereignty.
Key Historical Moments on May 10:
May 10, 1866: Prince Carol of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen arrived in Bucharest and took his oath as Ruler of the United Principalities of Romania.
May 10, 1877: The Senate adopted the declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire, finalizing the break after the Romanian War of Independence began.
May 10, 1881: Carol I was crowned the first King of Romania, making it a double celebration of nationhood and monarchy.
Historical Significance & Changes:
National Day: Between 1866 and 1916 (and 1918-1947), this date was celebrated as “King’s Day” (Ziua Regelui) or “Monarchy Day”.
Communist Era: After the forced abdication of King Michael I on December 30, 1947, the Communist regime abolished the celebration of May 10th.
Modern Day: While the official National Day was moved to December 1st (Great Union Day) in 1990, May 10th remains a symbolic date celebrated by the Romanian Royal Family and in cities like Sinaia and Bucharest, often referred to as Romanian Independence Day.
Peshawar Barracks
Established in 1867, the Peshawar Barracks were originally built by the British Army to house troops near the Bala Hisar Fort and modern-day Khyber Road. The historic site, formerly used by British infantry, remained abandoned for decades until it was taken over, renovated, and transformed by the Pak Army into a 5-star hotel in 2024, combining colonial-era heritage with modern hospitality.
Key Historical & Current Facts:
Built in 1867.Original Purpose: British Army infantry barracks. Renovated by the Pakistan Army around 2022-2024 to preserve its heritage and open it for public visitation.
Current Status: Known as Peshawar Barracks – It functions as a luxury hotel, catering, and event venue located on Khyber Road near the PSO pump.
Features: The renovated facility features a garden, fitness center, restaurant, and cigar room, with rooms named after local tribes.
Location: Situated near the historic Bala Hisar Fort and Kotla Mohsin Khan in Peshawar.The site serves as a key example of preserving colonial-era military architecture and repurposing it for tourism and hospitality in the region.
