ISLAMABAD, Mar 23 (APP): Pakistan’s embassies and high commissions in different parts of the world celebrated Pakistan Day with traditional zeal and fervour.
The day began with graceful flag hoisting ceremonies in embassies and high commissions in Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Belgium, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Egypt, South Africa, France, Afghanistan, Norway, Iran and at other places.
On this occasion, messages of President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar were read out.
In Malaysia, High Commissioner Syed Ahsan Raza Shah paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the nation’s forefathers in the struggle for Pakistan’s independence. He honored the legacy of the founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and emphasized that the day served to reinvigorate the spirit of the nation.
The national flag was raised at the Consulate General of Pakistan as the national anthem played in the background and a large number of community members in attendance.
Consul General of Pakistan in Jeddah, Khalid Majid, in his remarks on the occasion underlined the significance of this day and spoke about the strong bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, describing it as a brotherly relationship that is deeply rooted in history.
Pakistan Embassy in the United Arab Emirates organised an event to commemorate Pakistan’s National Day attended by the Pakistani community members including women and children as well as embassy personnel and their families.
The ceremony was opened with the flag hoisting by Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi and playing of the National Anthem.
Ambassador Tirmizi recalled the long and heroic struggle and sacrifices of the Muslims of the subcontinent, resulting in Pakistan’s independence. He emphasised the need of unity, tolerance and harmony in the society to counter formidable economic challenges and making Pakistan a stable and prosperous country.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Uzbekistan Ahmed Farooq in his remarks paid profound tribute to the founding fathers of Pakistan whose services and sacrifices led to the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the South Asian sub-continent.
The Mission organized a Flag Hoisting Ceremony and a Community event at the Chancery to commemorate Pakistan Day. It was attended by our Kyrgyz friends and media, prominent members of Pakistani diaspora and student fraternity. Kyrgyz TV 15 and AkiPress covered the event.
At a flag hoisting ceremony in Singapore, High Commissioner Rabia Shafiq, hoisted the flag to the tune of the National Anthem, followed by the messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, read out by Salman Mahmood, Deputy High Commissioner, and Press Counsellor, Athar Zeb Abbasi respectively.
In her remarks, the high commissioner said that March 23rd was reminder of the struggle and sacrifices of the Muslims of the subcontinent for a separate homeland and we should do everything in our capacity to keep the Pakistani flag flying high.
In Cairo, Charge d’ Affaires Dr. Raza Shahid met with the Chamberlain of the Presidency and delivered a congratulatory message from Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt on the National Day of Pakistan.
In South Africa, Acting High Commissioner Fahad Amjad highlighted the significance of this historic day in the history of the Muslims of the subcontinent.
Faraz Zaidi, Chargé d’Affaires in Brussels reflected on the enduring importance of the Lahore Resolution of 1940, which laid the foundation for the creation of Pakistan. He encouraged the community to uphold national unity and values, contribute positively to both Pakistan and the host society, and serve as proud representatives of their homeland abroad.
In France, ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch welcomed the guests and thanked them for celebrating the Pakistan Day in unison and solidarity. She underlined the importance of 23rd March in the history of Pakistan and paid rich tribute to the leaders of the freedom movement.
Representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Sadiq Khan was the Guest of Honour of the Flag Hoisting ceremony at Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul.
Ambassador Sadiq Khan emphasized that 23rd March is the day of reiteration of our commitment to the prosperity and defence of Pakistan.
In Norway, ambassador Saadia Altaf Qazi and in Vienna ambassador Kamran Akhtar Malik highlighted the importance of March 23 and adoption of a resolution resulting in the creation of Pakistan.
The envoys and other dignitaries in the ceremonies at the embassies cut ceremonial cakes to mark the occasion. Special prayers were offered for the peace, progress and prosperity of the homeland.
The National Day of Pakistan was commemorated at the High Commission of Pakistan in Ottawa with traditional patriotic fervour. High Commissioner Muhammad Saleem hoisted the national flag at a ceremony attended by members of the Pakistani Community, High Commission staff, students and friends of Pakistanat the Chancery premises.
In his address, the high commissioner paid tribute to the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the countless sacrifices made by the nation’s forefathers.
He emphasized the significance of strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Canada in all domains including political, economic, higher education and cultural exchanges.