Argentine Ambassador in Pakistan, Rodolfo J. Martin Saravia hosted a reception and exhibition of paintings and photographs recently at a local hotel in Karachi in order to commemorate 200 years of the Independence of Argentina and to build a new bridge among both countries that will celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2011.
In addition to this, the Embassy of Argentina in Pakistan through this grand reception auctioned 24 paintings and three photographs by 11 Argentinean artists to raise funds for the rehabilitation of flood victims in Sindh Province. The funds raised from this auction will be distributed to the affectees of the province of Sindh through the known institution an NGO called Karachi Relief Trust (KRT).
Acting Governor and Provincial Speaker of Sindh Assembly, Nisar Ahmed Khuhro attended the event as a Chief Guest. Federal Minister of Overseas Pakistanis, Dr. Farooq Sattar, Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, Dr. Asim Hussain, Director General Health, Dr. Rashid Jooma, Managing Director PPL, Khalid Rehman among other important guests were present from the diplomatic community, businessmen, journalists and other people of various fields.
During the auction of the paintings, people showed keen interest in the displayed art, and as a result of that all of the paintings were sold out. An important amount of 2.5 million rupees was generated for the noble cause.
The Ambassador sharing his views on the occasion said that it was the first-ever function organised by the Argentina Embassy in Karachi during the last 50 years. The idea to do such a big reception in Karachi was to pay tribute to the most vibrant city of Pakistan as well as the biggest and centre of Industry, trade, banking and cultural events of the country.
He further said that in this event we have decided to add a cultural touch by exposing paintings and photographs from various Argentinean artists like those that you can see exposed there in the annexure saloon.
During my six years as Ambassador of Argentina Pakistan, we have done several cultural events in Islamabad and in Lahore (paintings, exhibitions, photos exhibitions, book launchings, movies etc) so now is the time to do it in Karachi, he added.
Saravia thanked all the people who attended the function saying that with their generous contribution, many poor people in the Sindh Province will be benefited, and also that with their contribution they made the event a successful one.
The Acting Governor Nisar Ahmad Khuhro expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador for organizing such a great event and valued the artworks on display. He also conveyed his hopes for Argentina to open its consulate in Karachi.