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KARACHI, Nov 08 (APP): The Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Karachi hosted a grand state reception to celebrate People’s Unity Day.
The reception was attended by Governor of Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori, State Minister Fahad Haroon, Speaker of the Sindh Assembly Syed Awais Qadir Shah, Sindh Ministers, Zia UL Hassan Lanjhar, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, distinguished guests, diplomats, government officials, business leaders, media representatives, and members of the cultural community.
Welcoming the guests, the Consul General of Russia Andrey Fedorov, expressed his delight in marking the occasion with friends and partners in Pakistan. He highlighted that although People’s Unity Day is a relatively new holiday, it carries a profound historical legacy dating back more than 400 years to the era known as “The Time of Troubles.”
He recalled that during that period, the Russian state faced a series of grave challenges — dynastic crises, impostor rulers, foreign invasions, famine, and civil unrest — yet emerged stronger through the collective strength and determination of its people.
“Despite the hardships, our ancestors took command of their destiny, expelled foreign invaders, and elected the Romanov Dynasty, which went on to transform Russia into a great empire,” the Consul General stated. He said the unity and courage shown by ordinary citizens and noble leaders alike remain a timeless lesson that everything is possible through patriotism and solidarity.
Reflecting on the historical context, he paid tribute to the People’s Militia formed in 1612 by a merchant, Kuzma Minin, and a nobleman, Duke Dmitry Pozharsky, calling it a symbol of national resilience. He added that the story continues to inspire Russians to this day and serves as a reminder that any attempt to undermine their civilization will be met with strength and unity.
Although the official People’s Unity Day is celebrated on November 4, the Consulate organized the event on November 7 — another date of global historical significance, marking the anniversary of the 1917 Revolution.
“While the legacy of that revolution remains debated, no one can deny its profound impact on shaping modern history, politics, economies, and societies,” he noted.
The Consul General also emphasized the shared values between Russia and Pakistan, commending Pakistan as a nation of diverse cultures and ethnicities united by patriotism.
“Like Russia, Pakistan stands as a symbol of harmony and hospitality. This shared spirit continues to strengthen our cooperation across trade, industry, infrastructure, science, technology, and cultural exchange,” he added.
Fedorov extended heartfelt thanks to representatives of federal, provincial, and local governments, consular corps, business community, and media for their continued support. Special acknowledgment was given to Fly Dubai Airlines for facilitating the arrival of the renowned Cossack Ensemble “Stavropolye” for the evening’s cultural performance.
The Consul General also recognized contributions from Bank Alfalah, Mohammad Rajpar, Mustafa Farishta, Nadeem Khalid, Ali Salman Syed, Mustafa Kamal Farooqi, Zubair and Salman Tufail, and the Avari Family for their generous support in organizing the event.
Concluding his remarks, he expressed optimism for the future of bilateral relations, stating, “I have full confidence that together we can achieve great results for the progress and prosperity of our nations. Pakistan–Russia friendship Zindabad!”