The Pakistani Embassy, in collaboration with the Pakistani Business Association, held an Independence Day reception in Seoul on Aug. 30, which was attended by some 900 Pakistanis.

Among the guests were Pakistani Ambassador Zahid Nasrullah Khan, first Korean Ambassador to Pakistan Oh Jae-hee, Rep. Jasmine Lee of the National Assembly and Pakistani singer Sara Raza Khan, who is regarded as an “idol celebrity” back home.

Sara Raza Khan, who flew from Lahore for the event, sang various national songs throughout the three-hour affair, joined by her compatriots who tirelessly sang and danced. 

2015 marks the 68th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence and the 70th for Korea. The two countries celebrate it one day apart -- Pakistan on Aug. 14 and Korea on Aug. 15.

“We deeply appreciate the generosity and hospitality of the Korean government toward the Pakistani community here of 11,000 people,” the ambassador told The Korea Herald. “Our community happily lives in Korea, with many Pakistani men married to Korean women. Our multicultural families are the strongest bridge between our countries.”

Pakistan and Korea have an “excellent relationship” that is moving on an upward trajectory, the ambassador stressed, noting that a prefeasibility study for a bilateral free trade agreement will be carried out. To boost trade and tourism, the embassy is also making efforts to create a direct air link between the two countries, he added.

Pointing to the principles of “unity, faith and discipline” advocated by Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Khan said he urged his countrymen to adhere to these values here and bring the two countries closer.

Lee, 38, of the ruling Saenuri Party, said in a speech, “People who don’t know me may wonder how a non-Korean-looking person can be a member of Korea’s parliament.”

“It’s been a very difficult and adventurous life for me, but I hope there will be more people like me who will represent Korea’s immigrant communities either through the National Assembly or local council,” she added.

Lee was born in the Philippines and became the first foreign-born naturalized lawmaker in April 2012. Before her political career, she worked as an actress and TV host. A multiculturalism advocate, she regularly gives public lectures on the subject.

By Joel Lee (joel@heraldcorp.com)