Barcelona — To mark Pakistan’s Independence Day, the Pakistan-Spain Federation organized a grand ceremony in Barcelona, with Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, as the chief guest. The event was attended by Consul General of Pakistan in Barcelona Murad Ali Wazir, Welfare Attaché Chaudhry Salik Gondal, and community members from Belgium, England, the United States, and Pakistan.
Speakers warmly welcomed Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to Barcelona and drew his attention to issues faced by the Pakistani community in Spain. Addressing the gathering, Consul General Murad Ali Wazir said that overseas Pakistanis expect nothing more than respect from the Government of Pakistan. The atmosphere was filled with chants of “Pakistan Zindabad.”
In his speech, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi praised the vibrant spirit of the Pakistani community in Spain and acknowledged the significant role overseas Pakistanis play in supporting their homeland. He also spoke about Pakistan’s challenges, noting that his trip had been delayed due to the recent flood situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He mentioned that he had pledged to attend the Kashmir Conference in Brussels and the Independence Day convention in Barcelona, which he fulfilled despite the difficulties.
The Governor said he had met with international welfare organizations and relief agencies to ensure not only immediate aid but also long-term rehabilitation for flood victims. Highlighting Pakistan’s resilience, he credited former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s nuclear program and Benazir Bhutto’s missile initiatives for making the country’s defense invincible. He added that Pakistan’s success in a short war with India had raised the nation’s stature globally, while Bilawal Bhutto, like his mother, is now presenting Pakistan’s and Kashmir’s case on the international stage.
Governor Kundi also appreciated the role of political parties and media during the recent conflict, emphasizing that Pakistan’s economy has shown visible improvement. He stressed that overseas Pakistanis hold a crucial role in the country’s progress and encouraged them to continue supporting flood victims in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the Red Crescent.
The event also featured speeches from PPP Spain President Chaudhry Ishtiaq, Hafiz Abdul Razzaq Sadiq, and Pakistan Federation Spain Vice President Ayaz Abbasi. A commemorative shield was presented to the distinguished guest on behalf of the Pakistan Federation Spain, followed by the cutting of an Independence Day cake.