ISLAMABAD: On the Republic Day of Kazakhstan, its embassy on Wednesday night rolled out the red carpet for a fashion show, an exhibition of crafts and for singers who were specially flown in, making it a vibrant celebration of the country`s history and culture.

Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kistafin welcomed local dignitaries, ambassadors and high commissioners to the event.

Their presence was a reaffirmation of Kazakhstan`s standing on the global stage.

Shahid Ashraf Tarar, caretaker federal minister for communications, railway and maritime affairs, congratulated Ambassador Kistafin, his government and fellow countrymen on thee republic day.

He said Pakistan valued its relations with Kazakhstan and looked forward to further promoting and strengthening these relations in diverse sectors such as energy, tourism, connectivity and industry.

He emphasised on the potential of future cooperation in diverse sectors such as industry, agricultural, mechanical engineering, military-industrial complex and transport and logistics industry.

The event was also about legitimising an often ignored and undervalued part of politics -clothes.

`They matter. Diplomatic gatherings are also about dressing up and mingling and taking pictures,` said a guest at the event.

Contemporary designers presented modish, high-quality clothing. The collectionsincluded coats, blouses, pants and sherwanis. The lively designs and silhouette s depicted manysidedness of formal and wedding attires. Models specifically wore colourfull and astonishing gowns and stunningsherwanis. `The looks are all beautiful,` pointed out another diplomat.

In his speech prior to the runway show, the ambassador informed his guests about the independence of Kazakhstan which was achieved three decades ago and Pakistan wasamong the first countries to recognise Kazakhstan as a sovereign state.

Ambassador Kistafin emphasised Kazakhstan`s eagerness to strengthen its relations with Pakistan.

He counted the significant progresses the Central Asian state had made in achieving its targets bringing prosperity to the people and stability to the economy.

`These achievements are the result of the determined efforts made by the leadership and the people of Kazakhstan to secure their independence and establish a unique identity,` the ambassador said.

The three key factors which contributed to the wow factor at the Republic Day celebrations were the fashion show of Kazakhstan`s distinctive and iconic clothing, synonymous with its culture, singers who left an indelible mark on their audiences and the Kazakhstan food that elevated the culinary experiences of the guests.