By Adnan Hameed TWA ______ The Embassy of Hungary in Pakistan on Wednesday marked the 68th anniversary of the Hungarian National Day here in Islamabad. Minister for Housing and Works, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada while speaking as a chief guest on the occasion said the day symbolizes the enduring courage and heroic struggle of the brave Hungarian people for freedom and independence in 1956, which shaped the course of Hungarian history.

He said Hungary is a country taking rightful pride in its rich history and culture, a nation cherishing its commitment towards democracy and freedom. “We as a nation strongly believe in our democratic values and our commitment to a society respecting rights and participation of all citizens,” he said. The minister said Pakistan and Hungary enjoy close friendly ties in the bilateral and multilateral spheres. He said Pakistan o values cooperation with Hungary at multilateral forums, including within the framework of the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Organization (UNO). “While commemorating our friendship, it is imperative that we move forward in the economic and commercial domain by creating B2B linkages and enhancing people-to-people contacts,” the minister said. Ambassador Fazekas drew attention to Hungary’s rich history, marked by its courageous struggle for independence in 1956. He recounted how a student protest in Budapest transformed into a national uprising against Communist dictatorship, although the joy of freedom was short-lived as it was quelled by Soviet military aggression. It took 33 years for Hungary to regain its independence. Addressing the event, Hungary’s Ambassador Bela Fazekas lauded Pakistan for its support of the Hungarian revolution at the United Nations, highlighting the crucial role played by Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan, then the President of the General Assembly in 1962, in securing the release of Hungarian freedom fighters. Ambassador Fazekas also shed light on the deep-rooted cultural and intellectual exchanges between Hungary and the subcontinent. He shared the pivotal role Hungarian artists, professors, doctors, and orientalists played in enriching Lahore’s cultural and intellectual life during the 19th and early 20th centuries.