New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon participated in a major celebration marking Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day in Auckland. The event, organized by the Pakistan Association of New Zealand (PANZ), brought together nearly 1,000 members of the Kiwi-Pakistani community.
Prime Minister Luxon was joined by several prominent figures, including Minister for Ethnic Communities Mark Mitchell and Leader of the Opposition Chris Hipkins. In his remarks, Luxon congratulated Pakistan and praised the Kiwi-Pakistani community for its valuable contributions to New Zealand’s growth and multicultural identity. Hipkins also addressed the gathering, highlighting the community’s role in strengthening bilateral ties and social harmony.
The celebration featured a symbolic flag-hoisting ceremony led by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Dr. Faisal Aziz Ahmed, who also presented traditional Pakistani shawls to the dignitaries. Dr. Asif Khan, President of PANZ, addressed the audience, advocating for a deeper strategic partnership between Pakistan and New Zealand.
Part of a broader series of events across the country, the celebration included cultural performances, patriotic songs, and the unveiling of PANZ’s new website. Prime Minister Luxon’s attendance was widely seen as a meaningful gesture of goodwill and a reaffirmation of the strong bonds between the two nations.
