KARACHI: The Consul General of Italy in Karachi, Fabrizio Bielli, hosted a grand reception to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Italy (La Festa della Repubblica Italiana).

The event commemorated the birth of the Italian Republic while honouring the enduring shared values of democracy, unity and resilience.

Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and other prominent personalities including Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuhu, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah attended the event here at a local hotel on Thursday evening.

In his welcome address, Consul General Fabrizio Bielli expressed deep gratitude to the guests and emphasised the growing strength of bilateral relations between Italy and Pakistan, highlighting the key advancements in mutual cooperation, particularly within economic, commercial, and trade sectors.

To deliver an authentic Italian cultural experience, the venue featured a curated exhibition of Italy’s finest creative and manufacturing excellence including a spectacular display featuring the Ferrari 488 GTB, the iconic Fiat Abarth 595 and the symbol of Italian style Piaggio VESPA Primavera 150 CC.

Contemporary luxury furniture by world-renowned design house Natuzzi Italia; premium menswear textiles from Ermenegildo Zegna and Loro Piana and exclusive fragrance collections from premier luxury beauty brands Versace and Dolce & Gabbana were also displayed at the exhibition.

The celebration concluded with a special lucky draw.

The Consul Bielli invited the governor and the CM on stage to announce the winners of gift hampers.

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2026