British Deputy High Commission Celebrates Pakistan's Independence Day

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Augst,2016) : The British Deputy High Commission, Karachi, in partnership with Standard Chartered Bank organised a colourful and enchanting event to celebrate Pakistan's Independence Day here. More than 60 children between the ages of 9-13 years from Edhi Foundation participated in the celebration, an official of the UK Deputy High Commission said on Friday. On the occasion, the Standard Chartered introduced their new community programme "Goal".

Goal is Standard Chartered's leading education programme that provides financial literacy, life skills and employability training to low-income adolescent girls across its footprint. Through a combination of sports and life skills training, the Goal programme aims to empower and equip adolescent girls with the confidence, knowledge and skills they need to be integral economic leaders in their families, communities and societies. There were various sports activities planned for the children including boxing and football.

Instructors from Core Gym in Karachi joined to teach the children basics of staying fit. Children were also involved in other arts and crafts activities including cupcake decorations and face-painting.

Celebrity author, Khalid Anum, read stories to the children. The event was concluded with a musical performance by renowned artist Asif Sinan who sang patriotic songs.

Commenting on the community engagement at the event, Shezad Arif, Head of Retail Banking, Standard Chartered Pakistan said:" We are proud to partner with the British Deputy High Commission to celebrate Independence Day with children from Edhi Foundation.

Here for good, our brand promise, is all about commitment - to our clients, to our people and to the communities where we work. Our main focus today is on Goal. British Deputy High Commissioner, Ms Belinda Lewis said: "We are delighted to partner with Standard Chartered Bank to host such a historic celebration here in Karachi.

Seeing these children here today - representing the future of Pakistan - enjoying themselves and celebrating Independence Day with us is really heart-warming. It reflects the close ties between the UK and Pakistan which I expect will become even stronger and more important as we continue to work together for the mutual prosperity of both Pakistan and the UK. "On behalf of all of us at the British Deputy High Commission, Karachi, I wish Pakistan a Happy Independence Day." She said that we want the Pakistani people to know that the UK stands with Pakistan and its people in building a bright and prosperous future.