Swiss FM spices up city with cultural diplomacy

Sindh govt hosts grand event to celebrate Pak-Swiss friendship

KARACHI:

The visit of Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis to Karachi has ignited a cultural blaze, as he and his entourage graced a remarkable event organised by the Sindh cultural department. The provincial capital came alive with vibrant energy as Minister Cassis, accompanied by his wife Dr Paola Rodoni Cassis, Swiss parliamentarians, and Switzerland's Ambassador to Pakistan, embraced the cultural richness of Karachi.

Upon their arrival in the port city, the Swiss delegation, on a much-anticipated three-day visit, wasted no time immersing themselves in the diverse tapestry of Pakistani traditions. The highlight of their itinerary was the captivating cultural event titled 'Melodies of Sindh,' meticulously arranged by the Sindh government.

Under the banner of "Melodies of Sindh," the event served as a testament to the enduring bond between Pakistan and Switzerland. Minister Cassis and the parliamentary delegation were greeted with thunderous applause as they were treated to a mesmerizing display of Sindhi dance performances, infusing the evening with infectious enthusiasm.

Expressing his gratitude, Minister Cassis acknowledged the warm reception and expressed his commitment to further strengthening the ties between the two nations. "This splendid memory shall forever be etched in my heart," he declared, reaffirming his determination to continue fostering closer relations and cultural exchanges. The festivities were elevated by the enchanting performances of renowned regional musicians and instrumentalists. The Borendo melodies of Faqir Zulfikar, the soulful Surando tunes by Muhammad Hassan Mirbahar, the captivating Murli compositions by Sattar Jogi, the Algoze mastery of Akbar Khamiso Khan, and the electrifying presence of Taj Mastani left the esteemed guests spellbound, earning resounding applause and appreciation.

The visit of Ignazio Cassis and the Swiss parliamentary delegation is poised to serve as a catalyst, further invigorating bilateral ties between Pakistan and Switzerland. In addition to nurturing diplomatic relations, this visit aims to promote cultural exchange and strengthen tourism initiatives, with a focus on showcasing the rich cultural heritage and economic potential of Karachi.

Addressing the audience, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab shed light on the vibrant economic landscape of the city and expressed eagerness to collaborate with Swiss investors. Highlighting Karachi's status as Pakistan's economic hub, he emphasized the immense opportunities it offers with its two ports and six industrial zones.

The mayor's impassioned speech resonated with the potential for transformative change and positioned this collaboration as a regional game-changer.

Sindh Cultural and Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah captivated the audience with his eloquent introduction to the millennia-old musical traditions of Sindh. He proclaimed that the enchanting melodies, nurtured over 5,000 years, still thrive today, offering a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences to the global community. Minister Shah bestowed upon Minister Cassis the honorary title of the cultural ambassador of Sindh, symbolizing a new era of friendship and cultural diplomacy.

As the event came to a close, the air was thick with anticipation and a shared commitment to fostering enduring connections between Pakistan and Switzerland. With the echoes of cultural brilliance reverberating through the hearts of all attendees, it is evident that the Swiss delegation's visit has ignited a renewed passion for cultural exchange and cooperation, infusing Karachi with an enchanting blend of international camaraderie and artistic fervor.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2023.