New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today joined a large celebration of Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day in Auckland.

The festivities, attended by nearly 1,000 Pakistani New Zealanders, included a symbolic flag-raising ceremony led by Pakistan”s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Faisal Aziz Ahmed. Also present were Minister for Ethnic Communities Mark Mitchell, Leader of the Opposition and former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, and several Members of Parliament. Prime Minister Luxon congratulated Pakistan on its independence anniversary and praised the contributions of the Pakistani community to New Zealand”s advancement.

Former Prime Minister Hipkins echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the community”s role in modern New Zealand society and the robust relationship between the two nations. High Commissioner Ahmed presented Pakistan-made shawls to the Prime Minister and other officials.

Dr. Asif Khan, President of the Pakistan Association of New Zealand (PANZ), the nation”s largest Pakistani community organization, outlined PANZ”s key initiatives and future goals. He urged both governments to pursue a strategic partnership to benefit both countries and their citizens.

The event, hosted by PANZ with backing from the Pakistan High Commission, the New Zealand Ministry of Ethnic Communities, and several Auckland-based Pakistani enterprises, featured poetry readings, cultural displays, video presentations, and patriotic songs. A new interactive PANZ website was also launched.

Prime Minister Luxon”s presence at the event was seen as a significant gesture of goodwill towards Pakistan. The celebration is one of many high-profile events taking place across New Zealand to commemorate Pakistan”s Independence Day.