New Zealand's Pakistani community celebrated Pakistan Independence Day in major centres nationwide over the weekend, including Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Britain ended its colonial rule of the Indian subcontinent in 1947, resulting in the division of the region into two separate nations: India and Pakistan.
Pakistanis and people of Pakistani origin worldwide typically come together on 14 August to mark the independence struggle each year.
Besides flag-hoisting ceremonies, celebrations included poetry recitals, cultural performances, video screenings and patriotic songs.
Asif Saeed Khan, president of the Pakistan Association of New Zealand, believed it was important to commemorate the anniversary to pass on the value of hard-won freedom to future generations.
Asif Saeed Khan, president of the Pakistan Association of New Zealand Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom
Pakistan High Commissioner Faisal Aziz Ahmed was full of praise for New Zealand's multiculturalism.
"People here have a tremendous amount of empathy ... [it's] a place where democracy works, where multiculturalism works," Ahmed said.
"As Prime Minister Christopher Luxon mentioned, both our countries have a long-standing, warm relationship," he said.
"The Kiwi Pakistani community has surprised and amazed me the most," he said.
"They carry in their hearts love for Pakistan, but are essentially Kiwis in their outlook, individuality, egalitarianism and their care for humanity," he said.
"The community, though small in number, plays an important role in New Zealand's security, development [and] prosperity."
(From left) Hina Nasir, Pakistan Association of Wellington president Asma Azhar and Pakistan High Commissioner Faisal Aziz attend Independence Day celebrations in Wellington. Photo: Supplied
The anniversary events provided an occasion to celebrate community heroes who had made national headlines.
"We are very proud to see our community heroes doing so well in the New Zealand society, including Muhammad Abbas, who has made his Black Caps debut, Haris Zeb, who plays for Auckland City Football Club, and Muhammad Usama Nasir, who is a regular actor at our beloved drama Shortland Street," Khan said.
In Christchurch, Pakistan Association of Canterbury president Ishtiaq Ahmed appreciated the community in local regions for putting on a "vibrant display of culture, unity and pride".
Canterbury's Pakistani community celebrates Independence Day on 14 August. Photo: Supplied
Asma Azhar, president of the Pakistan Association of Wellington, welcomed representatives from major Pakistani community organisations as part of celebrations in the capital.
Hina Nasir, a Pakistani Kiwi who attended celebrations in Auckland and Wellington, said the events "bring communities together, strengthen social cohesion and keep traditions alive".
"I believe these moments give the next generations pride in their roots and remind [the] diaspora community that we can call Aotearoa New Zealand and Pakistan our collective home," Nasir said.
