Presentation was made by the Pakistan High Commissioner HE Murad Ashraf Janjua, Pakistan Defense Adviser Brigadier Shoaib Bin Akram, Tmgha-E-Basalat, who had specially travelled from Australia for the ceremony of presentation of souvenirs by Pakistan Army to National Army Museum, Waiouru on Wednesday 25 May 2022.
Presentation was made on behalf of Pakistan Army in recognition of at present Pakistan Army Regiments.
These at present Pakistan Army Regiments had participated with ANZAC in the first world war as part of British Indian Army known at that time as:
- 89th Punjabi
- 21st Kohat Battery
- 26th Jacob Battery
Col Bede Fahy, on behalf of National Army Museum received Pakistan High Commissioner, Pakistan Defense Advisor, and members of Pakistan community of New Zealand.
Brigadier Shoaib Bin Akram provided history of the two regiments and highlighted their contributions in the First World War.
The High Commissioner thanked New Zealand for recognizing the services of men at Arms and reiterated that the two countries may be far apart in physical distance, but they share common values.
Honorary Tourism Ambassador for Pakistan in New Zealand, Mr Qaiser Rashid presented a Shield of Acknowledgement on behalf of TDCP to the National Army Museum. He said that Tourism was a great driver of cross-cultural diffusion for Pakistan and New Zealand.
President of Pakistan Association of New Zealand (PANZ), and Honorary Tourism Ambassador for Pakistan, North Island presented a Certificate of acknowledgment, and a Shield of Gratitude to the National Army Museum. Mr Naveed said that many Pakistan community members will visit the National Army Museum, Waiouru and collect the souvenirs.
Dr Zulfiqar Haider Butt, City Councilor Palmerston North City Council were also present at the ceremony. Dr Zulfiqar acknowledged the presentation as a very positive initiative towards exploring the synergies between Pakistan and New Zealand.
Mr Imran Ahmed, CEO Apna TV; Syed Ahsan Ahmad, Honorary Tourism Ambassador for Pakistan, Auckland; and Mr Suhail Choudhry were among the distinguished community members present at the ceremony.
