Consul General of Switzerland Mr Didier Boschung hosted a reception last evening to celebrate the 720th anniversary of the foundation of the Swiss Confederation. It was indeed in 1291 that three men representing the mountain states (called cantons) of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden swore an oath to pledge mutual assistance and to protect their traditional rights, self-determination and their own legal system against the powerful Habsburg Empire.
This year's celebration was a very unique as the Consulate General organised a poster competition to celebrate the event. The participants were talented young students of Karachi University and Indus Valley school of Art and Architecture. Twenty-one were on display at the reception venue which were greatly admired and appreciated by the guests.
A Swiss musician Franz Keller who plays the traditional Swiss instrument "Alphorn" was also present, having flown in earlier in the morning, he impressed the gathering with his music.
A lucky draw was also held on the occasion and seven lucky guests won an Airline Ticket to Switzerland, Rado and Tissot watches, a Victorinox cutlery set, an HP LCD monitor and two gift hampers. Swiss companies operating in Pakistan and some local representatives of Swiss companies had put up their banners and stalls to participate in the celebration. They were Al-Ameen Trading, Clariant Pakistan Ltd, Habib Bank AG Zürich, Hazari Impex, International Watch Company, Jofa International, MSC Agency Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, Mushko Electronics, Nazer & Co, Novartis Pharma Pakistan Ltd, Roche Pakistan Ltd, SGS Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, Speedy Automation, Swiss International Air Lines, The Legend and the Swiss Business Council was also presented. Swiss Consul General Didier Boschung in his brief welcome address thanked the companies and guests for making the celebration a success.-PR