By Naveed Miraj and Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of Kazakhstan’s Republic Day, the embassy of Kazakhstan in Islamabad hosted a fashion show, an exhibition of crafts, and specially flown-in singers. The celebration was a vibrant tribute to Kazakhstan’s rich history and culture.
Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Kistafin, extended a warm welcome to local dignitaries, ambassadors, and high commissioners, emphasizing the significance of their presence in reaffirming Kazakhstan’s global standing.
Shahid Ashraf Tarar, the caretaker federal minister for communications, railway, and maritime affairs, congratulated Ambassador Kistafin, the government of Kazakhstan, and Kazakh citizens on their Republic Day. He underscored the importance of Pakistan’s relations with Kazakhstan and expressed a desire to further enhance these relations across various sectors, including energy, tourism, connectivity, and industry.
Minister Tarar also highlighted the potential for future cooperation in various domains such as industry, agriculture, mechanical engineering, the military-industrial complex, and transport and logistics.
Kazakhstan’s Republic Day Event Elevates Cultural Diplomacy
The event was not just about celebrating culture and diplomacy; it also acknowledged the often-underestimated role of fashion in politics. “Clothing matters. Diplomatic gatherings are also about dressing up, mingling, and capturing moments,” noted one guest at the event.
Contemporary designers took center stage, showcasing stylish and high-quality clothing. The collections featured a wide array of garments, including coats, blouses, pants, and sherwanis, reflecting the versatility of formal and wedding attire. Models graced the runway in colorful gowns and stunning sherwanis, earning praise for their beautiful looks.
In his address before the runway show, Ambassador Kistafin provided guests with insights into Kazakhstan’s journey to independence, achieved three decades ago, with Pakistan being among the first countries to recognize Kazakhstan as a sovereign state. He reiterated Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening its relations with Pakistan and highlighted the substantial progress the Central Asian nation has made in promoting prosperity and economic stability.
The Republic Day celebration was marked by three key highlights: a fashion show showcasing Kazakhstan’s distinctive and culturally significant clothing, captivating performances by singers that left a lasting impression, and a delectable selection of Kazakhstan’s culinary delights, enriching the guests’ culinary experiences.
