2 important occasions celebrated

Islamabad

To celebrate the National Day of Hungary commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the 1956 Revolution and Freedom Fight the Ambassador of Hungary and Mrs. Emilia Szabo hosted a reception at the Serena Hotel.

It was a well attended affair with diplomats of different cadres, Pakistanis from various walks of life and Hungarian nationals living in the capital. There was no chief guest as such but a number political entities and leaders of parties were present.

Most guests agreed that it was one of the best receptions to celebrate a national day because of the ambience that had been created and the performances that provided the entertainment. The venue had been appropriately decorated for the occasion with flowers and banners; a large screen was used as a background to showcase glimpses of the struggle for freedom; messages by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Poland Piotr Opalinski, and Ambassador of the Czech Republic Miroslav Krenek, who spoke of their country's support for the revolution; and a video of the music group Wild ManGoes, which has two Hungarian musicians playing along with Pakistani ones.

The national anthems of Hungary and Pakistan were sung by Zoha Zuberi, accompanied by Sharoon Leo on the violin - motivating many Pakistanis to join in when the national anthem of Pakistan was sung - and a contemporary dance about the Hungarian freedom struggle, which was performed by talented Pakistani artistes Nighat Chaudhry, Amna Mawaz, Haider Ali and Faizan Wahab. Yes, there was a cake cutting ceremony with EU ambassadors joining the hosts on stage and Hungarian specialties were served along with Pakistani cuisine for dinner.

Speaking on the occasion the host began by extending a warm welcome to his guests; said a few words about the Hungarian Revolution and its consequences; the very good relations between Pakistan and Hungary which have prompted the opening of trade offices in Karachi and Lahore as well as the granting of scholarships to students who want to study in Hungarian universities. He concluded by thanking his two colleagues in the Diplomatic Corps for their recorded remarks, members of his embassy, the performers and all others who had helped to make the celebration a success.

On October 23, 1956, students and workers took to the streets of Budapest (the capital of Hungary) and issued their Sixteen Points which included personal freedom, more food, the removal of the secret police, the removal of Russian control etc. Poland had already been granted rights in 1956 which had been gained by street protests and displays of rebellion. Hungary followed likewise.