The GPO Chowk in Quetta has been renamed as the ‘Berlin Quetta Friendship Square’.
QUETTA / ISLAMABAD: A ‘Buddy Bear’ installation took place in Quetta ,Today, to commemorate the bilateral ties between Pakistan and Germany. In honor of this occasion, the street formerly known as GPO Chowk in Quetta has been renamed as the ‘Berlin Quetta Friendship Square’.
“The buddy bear is a symbol of the city of Berlin. With outstretched arms, it stands for peace, friendship, and cooperation,” German Consul General in Karachi Rudiger Lotz said after the ceremony. “We are proud that the Buddy Bear as of now also is a citizen of the city of Quetta!”
Buddy Bear Installation Strengthens Diplomatic Ties
Berlin Buddy Bears, considered ambassadors of a cosmopolitan Germany, have become landmarks in many countries. They express the friendly ties between Germany and the host nation, uniting Berlin’s cheerfulness, diversity, and creativity, as stated.
These bears can be found standing at designated public spots all over the world, with outstretched arms.
Muhammad Shahab Awan, a Fine Arts graduate from the University of BUITEMS, painted the statue.
The German consul general in Karachi emphasized the importance of collective efforts in combating climate change.
“We are thankful that the intersection has been named Berlin Quetta Friendship Square,” he said. He further added that it was important for the friendly ties between the two states.
Lotz stated that Buddy Bear reached Quetta after traveling a long journey of 6,000 kilometers.
The renaming initiative was undertaken by the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Karachi, in collaboration with the Honorary Consul of Germany Quetta and the Metropolitan Corporation Quetta.
Honorary Consul of Germany Quetta Mir Murad Baloch said, “We are happy to bring the ambassador of Berlin to our city Quetta. The art on Buddy Bear not only reflects the strong bilateral ties between Pakistan and Germany but also highlights the impacts of climate change.”
He also praised Germany for providing assistance for the people of Balochistan after torrential rains and flash floods in the province that caused significant loss of life and property.
The honorary consul general added the purpose of such a statue was to promote peace and friendship in memory of 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“The people of Balochistan appreciate the generous support of the people of Germany. We are glad to [see] that Germany has contributed to the beauty of Quetta city with this piece of art,” Administrator of Metropolitan Corporation Quetta Jabbar Baloch stated.
Jabbar also described the installation of the statue as “significant” after celebrations of 70 years of Pakistan-Germany ties.
“We are proud to install Pakistan’s first Buddy Bear in Quetta,” the administrator of Metropolitan Corporation said and added that it would enhance the beauty of Quetta.
As many as 16,000 statues of Buddy Bears have been installed around the world, Murad said and lauded Germany for providing scholarships to students from time to time. Such statues are also installed in Washington and New York.
