Pakistan President Extends Warm St. Patrick’s Day Greetings to Ireland
Naveed Ahmad Khan Photos by Sultan Bashir
ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Ireland in Islamabad marked St. Patrick’s Day with a reception held at the Serena Hotel, bringing together members of the diplomatic community, government officials, and other distinguished guests. The event was attended by several distinguished personalities, including Chief Guest Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, alongside members of the diplomatic corps and civil society representatives.
The event held in honour of Ireland’s National Day provided a meaningful opportunity to advance bilateral ties and celebrate the longstanding cultural connections between the two countries. Ireland’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Mary O’Neill, welcomed guests and reflected on Ireland’s shared historical experiences of colonisation, conflict, and poverty, noting how these have shaped the country’s commitment to the United Nations Charter and the promotion of human rights globally.
Speaking at the occasion, the Ambassador acknowledged Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and dialogue, paying tribute to the government’s recent efforts in mediation. She echoed the sentiments of Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee, who has commended Pakistan’s contributions towards peace building. The Ambassador also highlighted Ireland’s longstanding engagement with the European Union, noting that over 50 years of EU membership has contributed significantly to peace and prosperity in Ireland. She further shared that Ireland will hold the Presidency of the European Union from July this year.
The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Chief Guest Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, along with members of the diplomatic corps and civil society. The reception marked Ireland’s national day and served as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and celebrate cultural connections between Ireland and Pakistan.
Meanwhile : President Asif Ali Zardari extended his warm felicitations to the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, and to the people of Ireland on the occasion of St. Patrick’s Day. In a message on St. Patrick’s Day observed on March 17, he said, “This day carries deep meaning for people in Ireland and for Irish communities around the world. It is a time to celebrate history, faith and traditions, and to uphold values of peace, forgiveness and generosity. Across the globe, many join in the celebration, sharing in the spirit of this day.” “While this day is marked by music, festivity and the warmth of Irish traditions, we must also remember that the world beyond our celebrations is marked by sorrow and suffering,” he said adding, “Across West Asia, hundreds of thousands of families are living through death, destruction and devastation by the war imposed on them while their homes, places of work and agricultural fields are destroyed.”
He said, “The story of Saint Patrick himself is not only one of faith but of transformation, healing and reconciliation. Saint Patrick, who knew incarceration and hardships, also returned with a message of forgiveness and hope rather than revenge.” “In these troubling times, his legacy tells us that the true test of humanity is not how fiercely we fight, but how courageously we pursue peace. May this day inspire us to renew our commitment to compassion, dialogue, diplomacy and the dignity of every human life.” he remarked. He said Pakistan and Ireland share a commitment to multilateralism and peace. Relations between our countries are built on mutual respect and common values of peace and prosperity for all.
“I am confident that the friendship between our countries will continue to grow and I convey my best wishes to the President of Ireland and the Irish people for a joyous St. Patrick’s Day,” he concluded. $
