By Rafiq Vayani
KARACHI: The Consulate of Italy in Karachi organized the 73rd Anniversary of the Italian Republic at Avari hotel, Karachi. The Chief Guest of the evening was Mr. Imran Ismail, Governor Sindh. The event was attended by many Diplomats, Businessmen of Karachi.
The Consul of Italy, Ms. Anna Ruffino thanked the participants and appreciated the friendship and closeness of the Pakistani people. She was happy to mention the growing relations between Italy and Pakistan in all sectors.
A day earlier, the Consulate of Italy had also organized the conference “ITALY TO PAKISTAN” to celebrate the Italian excellence and the presence of Italian companies in Pakistan. The conference highlighted the MADE IN ITALY products, goods and services in Pakistan and the contribution of local business houses in fostering trade relations between the two countries.
The Consulate of Italy in Karachi has been also actively participating in cultural field. The Consulate had invited various artists, scholars and musicians. Teaching of Italian at Greenwich University and Institute of Business Management was also possible due to the efforts of Italian Consulate in Karachi and now Pakistani students and non-students can also learn Italian at Greenwich University.
The Consulate of Italy has also played an important role in signing of an MoU between the National Institute of Child Health (NICH), Karachi and the Gaslini Hospital in Genoa, one of the most prestigious pediatric hospitals in Italy. Besides that, collaboration between the Agha Khan Hospital and SIUT with Italian hospitals is already going on and young Doctors and Specialists from both countries visit each other.
Ms. Ruffino also mentioned the collaboration in the archaeological field. The Italian Archaeological team in Banbhore in collaboration with the department of Culture, Government of Sindh, is carrying out the excavation in Bhanbhore. The team of Italian and Pakistani archaeologists have achieved great results in the last field season of 2018-2019 with discovery of the “Ivory Workshops”, which are unique in the world. She hoped that this mission will help preserve the wonderful heritage of Sindh and bring forth astounding discoveries, which the people of Sindh will be able to benefit from.
Governor Sindh, Imran Ismail congratulated the Consul General and the Italian community on the occasion of the National Day of Italy. He said that Italy is very close to his heart as he had spent time there and loved the Italian food and weather. He thanked the Consul General for her efforts in bringing both the countries closer and appreciated the role of the Consulate of Italy.
Another wonderful treat of the evening was Italian cuisine. The Consulate of Italy had invited an internationally renowned chef, Mr. Giacomo Gallina, who has prepared a special Italian menu for the guests. According to the Consul, “the Consulate wanted to bring a little bit of Italy to Pakistan and celebrate the Italian culinary tradition.” Participants enjoyed the authentic Italian food, coffee and ice-cream specially organized for the celebrations.
