Key Points
- Luxon describes the Pakistani immigrant story as “incredibly inspiring.”
- PM Luxon hails Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to broker Middle East peace.
- Both countries cooperate through the UN, WTO and ASEAN Regional Forum.
- Cricket remains one of the strongest people-to-people links between both countries.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has praised the Pakistani community for its contribution to the country, saying Pakistanis have made New Zealand a “much better place” economically, socially and culturally.
Addressing a gathering of the Pakistani community at the Pakistan High Commission, Luxon also thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to help broker peace between Iran and the United States amid the wider conflict in the Middle East.
“Just three months ago, I spoke with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and just to thank the incredible work that he, as Prime Minister of Pakistan, has been doing to try and broker peace between Iran and the United States and the Middle East conflict,” Luxon said.
He described Sharif’s efforts as “exceptionally good” and said New Zealand appreciated Pakistan’s role in seeking to promote peace.
“Just three months ago, I spoke with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and just to thank the incredible work that he, as Prime Minister of Pakistan, has been doing to try and broker the peace between Iran and the United States and the Middle East conflict.” – PM Luxon
“I just want to thank him on behalf of New Zealand, because that conflict has caused huge amounts of pain for people here at home and also all around the world,” he said.
Luxon praises Pakistani community
Turning to the Pakistani diaspora, Luxon said around 8,100 Pakistanis living across New Zealand had made an “enormous contribution” to the country.
“I want you to feel incredibly proud of that because we are much better off economically, socially, and culturally because of this incredible community,” he said.
Luxon praised the community’s work ethic and achievements, describing the Pakistani immigrant experience as an inspiration.
“We know how hard you work. We know that you’ve been incredibly successful in New Zealand. We find your immigrant story incredibly inspiring,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani High Commission said the celebrations brought together the Kiwi-Pakistani community with a large number of New Zealand ministers, parliamentarians from different political parties, members of the diplomatic corps and friends of Pakistan.
“We know how hard you work. We know that you’ve been incredibly successful in New Zealand. We find your immigrant story incredibly inspiring.” – PM Luxon
Greatly honoured to welcome Prime Minister Rt Hon. @chrisluxon together with large number of Ministers, Parliamentarians from various Parties, select members of the diplomatic corps and friends of Pakistan join the Kiwi Pakistani community to celebrate #PakistanAt80 Kiwi-Desi… pic.twitter.com/pEP1Da3s2J
— Pakistan High Commission New Zealand (@PakinNewZealand) August 18, 2026
According to a tweet by the Pakistan High Commission on X, the celebrations were held in Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton under the theme #PakistanAt80, with the events showcasing what it described as the “tremendous camaraderie and goodwill” underpinning the warm and longstanding friendship between Pakistan and New Zealand.
The High Commission thanked New Zealand for making the occasion “even more special”, saying the participation of political leaders, diplomats and the wider community reflected the strength of people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Historic ties
Pakistan and New Zealand have maintained longstanding relations dating back to the early years of Pakistan’s independence, with the Commonwealth providing one of the important foundations of their bilateral relationship.
Both countries have subsequently developed cooperation through international and regional institutions, including the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, Commonwealth and ASEAN Regional Forum.
The relationship also has a historical security dimension. In 1954, Pakistan and New Zealand were among the signatories of the Manila Pact, which established the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO), reflecting their cooperation during the Cold War period.
Their relationship gradually expanded beyond security concerns to encompass trade, diplomacy, education, culture and people-to-people contacts.
A Trade Agreement between Pakistan and New Zealand was concluded in Islamabad in February 1990, providing a formal framework for commercial relations.
In 2005, the two countries established an Arrangement on Bilateral Consultations, covering political, defence, economic, commercial and cultural cooperation as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Cricket has emerged as one of the strongest popular links between the two countries, with Pakistan and New Zealand regularly competing against each other in international cricket.
The Pakistani diaspora has added another significant dimension to the relationship. Pakistanis have become increasingly integrated into New Zealand’s social, economic and political life, with members of the community contributing across business, professional, academic, sporting and public spheres.
The latest celebrations, held across Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton, highlighted this people-to-people dimension of the relationship. The participation of New Zealand ministers, parliamentarians from different political parties, diplomats and members of the Pakistani community reflected the broad political and social goodwill surrounding bilateral ties.
