LAHORE -UNS: The Russian Ambassador to Pakistan, Albert P.Khorev, has stated that the courage and bravery displayed by the Soviet Union in defeating fascism in World War II, 80 years ago, will always be remembered in history. In this war, the Russian people sacrificed 30 million precious lives. Today, it is imperative that we all unite to prevent the resurgence of Nazism in the world.
He was addressing a ceremony marking the 80th “Victory Day” of the Soviet Union’s grand victory over fascism in World War II, held at a local hotel, organized by The Russian Consulate Lahore, Russian Center for Science, Education, and Culture in collaboration with the Lahore Press Club.
The ceremony was also addressed by the Hon.Consul of the Russian Federation in Lahore,Habib Ahmed; Ambassador for Russian Science and Education and Chairman of the Russian Center for Science,Education, and Culture, Dr. Shahid Hasan; President of the Association of Pakistani Graduates from Russia
and CIS, Professor Dr. Ashraf Nizami; senior Pakistan People’s Party leader Qamar Zaman Kaira; Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan’s Deputy Ameer Liaquat Baloch; President of the Lahore Press Club.
Arshad Ansari; President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Abu Zar Shad; Convener of Pakistan Democratic Alliance Mushtaq Chaudhry; and President of the Pak-Russia Friendship Forum, Dr. Iftikhar Bukhari.
The Russian Ambassador said that Pakistan-Russia relations are on the path to improvement. Cooperation continues in the fields of trade, agriculture, energy, and communication, while special attention is being given to education and culture. He also appreciated Pakistan’s neutral and fact-based stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Qamar Zaman Kaira stated that the steps taken by Russia against fascism during World War II led to an unprecedented victory. While the war brought about global changes, it also birthed a new world order. He emphasized that among those who benefited from this war were nations like Pakistan, which gained independence. He lamented, however, that while Victory Day is celebrated globally, there is no one to stop tyrants and oppressors today.
Liaqat Baloch of Jamaat-e-Islami stressed the need for global nations to find solutions to mutual conflicts and create better living opportunities for the hungry, unemployed, and those deprived of education and healthcare. He also noted that strong Pakistan- Russia ties are essential for peace and progress in the region.
Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari said the media can play a vital role in promoting Pakistan-Russia relations and emphasized the need for further improvement in these ties to ensure regional peace.
PTI leader Ahmed Owais stated that no country other than Russia played such a crucial role or made such great sacrifices during World War II. Due to the bravery and resilience of the Russian people, the Nazis couldn’t dare enter Russian territory. He warned that where there is no justice, the rule of power prevails.
Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in Lahore, Habib Ahmed, stated that Russia’s victory in World War II was not just Russia’s, but a victory for all of humanity.Russia made immense sacrifices to rid the world of fascism. He added that Pakistan- Russia relations are strengthening day by day, and he prayed for
their friendship to grow rapidly.
CEO of the Honorary Consulate of Russian Federation in Lahore, Dr. Ashraf Nizami, remarked that the Russian people not onlystopped the Nazi forces but also saved the world from the destruction caused by fascism. He termed World War II as the largest war in history, claiming 70 million lives. He stressed that today, the spirit of 1945 is needed again. He appreciated the Russian government’s acknowledgment of Pakistan’s peace-loving stance. He also said that the proposal to establish an independent and impartial inquiry commission regarding the recent terrorism against tourists in Kashmir, under the guise of which India has imposed war, was a positive step that was supported by the entire world, including the United States. In this regard, U.S. President Donald Trump certainly deserves thanks for playing an important role in bringing peace to the region by preventing war between two nuclear powers.
Dr. Iftikhar Bukhari stated that Pakistan has long-standing scholarly and literary ties with Russia, and there is a need to further strengthen friendly relations between the two countries.
The event also featured regional cultural performances, including Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi and Pakhtuns dances. Asfandyar Khattak performed a classical dance on the poetry of Baba Khushal Khan Khattak and received much applause.
