Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon joined a grand celebration of Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day in Auckland on Saturday, in a gesture widely lauded as a symbol of goodwill for Pakistan.

The event, attended by nearly 1,000 members of the Kiwi Pakistani community, also featured Minister for Ethnic Communities Mark Mitchell, Leader of the Opposition and former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, and Pakistan’s High Commissioner to New Zealand Dr. Faisal Aziz Ahmed, along with several parliamentarians.

In his address, Prime Minister Luxon congratulated Pakistan on its Independence Day and praised the contribution of the Pakistani community to New Zealand’s growth and diversity. Opposition Leader Hipkins echoed the sentiments, highlighting the strength of Pakistan–New Zealand ties and the community’s positive role in Kiwi society.

Earlier, a symbolic flag-hoisting ceremony was performed by High Commissioner Faisal Aziz Ahmed, who presented Pakistan-made shawls to the New Zealand leadership. Dr. Asif Khan, President of the Pakistan Association of New Zealand (PANZ), outlined the association’s achievements and called for deeper strategic cooperation between the two countries.

The celebrations featured poetry recitals, cultural performances, patriotic songs, and the unveiling of PANZ’s new interactive website. Organized by PANZ with support from the Pakistan High Commission, the Ministry of Ethnic Communities, and local businesses, the event formed part of a series of Independence Day festivities across New Zealand.