Polish embassy celebrated Poland’s Independence Day celebrated in Islamabad
To commemorate the 99th anniversary of Poland Independence Day and mark the Armed Forces Day, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland Piotr Opalinski hosted a grand reception in Islamabad. The event was arranged by the Embassy of Poland in Islamabad.
The Chairman Senate Mian Raza Rabbani and the visiting Marshal of the Senate of Poland, Stanislaw Karczewski were the chief guests while Lt Gen Nadim Raza, Commander 10 Corps graced the occasion as a special guest. The event commenced with the national anthem of both countries which was followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. Ambassadors, politicians, government officials, and business community representatives also attended the event.
The backdrop of a scene of the beautiful capital of Poland, Warsaw, attracted the guests. A video screening of the sights and sounds of Poland was also played to introduce the culture of Poland to Pakistanis.
Polish Ambassador Opalinski began his address in Urdu, welcoming the guests and cherishing the Poland and Pakistan friendship.
In his speech, Marshal Stanislaw Karczewski praised the Pakistan-Poland bilateral relations which were cemented many years ago when about 45 Polish Air Force officers and other refugees chose to settle in Pakistan after World War 11. He highly appreciated Air Commodore Turowicz and his work. “I am happy to be here with you all as we celebrate our national day,” he said.”I will carry back pleasant memories of my visit.”
Raza Rabbani said that Pakistan was keen to enhance mutual cooperation with Poland as well as strengthen cooperation in different sectors for the benefit of the people of both countries. He also mentioned the Polish officers and others who had stayed in Pakistan – an open-minded country unlike the negative impression created by international media.
An exhibition of photographs of Polish hero, Air Commodore Władysław Turowicz and his spouse Zophia, had also been organized to pay tribute to the man who was known as ‘Pakistan’s Polish Patriot.’ Turowicz, was a Polish-Pakistani aviator, military scientist and aeronautical engineer besides being the main protagonist in the setting up of the PAF, was also the administrator of Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) from 1967 to 1970.
Pakistan and Poland to enhance business ties
Recently, the Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq held a meeting with the Chairman of the Senate of the Republic of Poland, Stanislaw Karczewski.
Ayaz Sadiq said that Pakistan attaches immense importance to Poland and wants to take the existing warm relations between the two countries to new heights through parliamentary and economic cooperation. He also informed about the revival of the Pak-Poland Friendship Group in the National Assembly and extended parliamentary support in facilitating the Polish business community.
Chairman of the Senate of the Republic of Poland, Stanislaw Karczewski reciprocated the views shared by the Speaker and said that Poland wants to revitalize its bilateral relations with Pakistan. Acknowledging Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war on terror, he applauded Pakistan’s role in addressing terrorism in the wider interest of global peace.
Karczewski also highlighted that there is immense scope for widening economic cooperation, bilateral trade, and cultural exchanges, between the two countries.
History of Polish National Independence Day
Poland celebrates National Independence Day On 11 November when Poland regained its independence after 123 years of partitions.
Since 1795 Poland was divided between Austria, Prussia and Russia. World War I which ended in 1918, was a defeat to all those major European powers. On 11 November 1918 Józef Piłsudski, founder of Polish legions who came back from German prison was appointed the Commander-in-Chief over the Polish Forces. Three days later Pilsudski was given complete civil control over Polish territories.
11 November was celebrated as Polish Independence Day since 1920. In the communist period, it was forbidden to celebrate this day but it was restored immediately after the collapse of communism in 1989.