The Government of France celebrates 230th Bastille Day in Karachi

Celebrating the 230th anniversary to the fall of Bastille and the French Revolution, the Government of France in Pakistan, particularly the Consulate General of France, commenced the ‘Fête Nationale’ festivities on Saturday night at the palatial gardens of the Alliance Française De Karachi in Karachi.

Comprising a French music night on Saturday and an official dinner celebration of Bastille Day on Sunday, the festivities explored various facets of the French culture through cuisine, music and social mingling, which kept the elite gentry and the local crowd excited throughout the weekend.

Consul General of France, Didier Talpain speaks to the guests.

Amidst the celebrations – which were kept grand, the highlight remained the speech by Consul General of France, Didier Talpain, on Sunday night where he announced that the Franco-Pakistan friendship is moving towards even higher levels of common understanding and growth with the former aiding Pakistan in repatriating back stolen artefacts from the Indus Valley Civilisation that were confiscated by smugglers in Paris in 2006 and 2007.

The event and the French gesture of goodwill were further complemented by an array of French cuisine catered by Avari and a myriad of gourmet French cheeses and produce being served to the esteemed guests throughout the night. To add onto this, a spread of exquisite desserts – highlighted by the signature French Macaron, were also served.

A wide array of French specialities were offered on the menu.

Apart from a brilliant exploration of cuisine, the festivities also remained a night for foreign dignitaries, government officials, media moguls, and an esteemed gentry to mingle amidst each other, and discuss the positive future of the Franco-Pakistan friendship.

Consul General Didier Talpain in a photo-op with guests.

Speaking about this friendship, the President of the Alliance Française De Karachi, novelist Bina Shah, also spoke about the importance of continuing such events and cooperation between countries to Diva. 

Sultana Siddiqui, Duraid Siddiqui and Alliance Française De Karachi president, Bina Shah at the event.

“I am very proud to be a part of the AFK, we’ve been here since the 1950s and we are glad that we promote the French language and culture in Pakistan,” Shah said. “Anything like this just reminds me how important it is to build bridges between countries, and I am glad this bridge between Pakistan and France is particularly strong and I am happy to be a part of it!”

The night culminated with the guests being gifted giveaways by Continental Biscuits and Guinot Institut Paris, who were the official sponsors of the event.

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