Head of Chancery, Pakistan Embassy, Samar Javed reading out messages from President and Prime Minister of Pakistan. Photo: Umer Nangiana
By Umer Nangiana
Pakistani expatriates living in Qatar celebrated their country’s 75th National Day yesterday. The highlight of the day was a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Pakistan embassy.
With the national anthem playing in the backdrop, Head of Chancery and the acting ambassador Samar Javed hoisted the national flag on the embassy premises early in the morning in the presence of dozens of community members.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Qatar Shahzad Ahmad is accompanying the delegation of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on his first ever state visit to Pakistan. The head of chancery went on to congratulate the men, women and children from the Pakistani community. Many at the ceremony were attired in Pakistan’s national dress.
After the flag hoisting, Javed read out the National Day messages from Pakistan’s President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif sent for the Pakistani expatriates living in Qatar.
The President in his message acknowledged the formidable threats and challenges faced by the country and reiterated the nation’s resolve to never give in.
“To mark this historic occasion I would like to urge all citizens of Pakistan to renew their resolve to bring their country to the forefront of the comity of nations,” the message said. “Women and children, civilians and soldiers alike are targeted by terrorists and extremists. Our schools and our places of worship have been attacked. This day brings us together to remind us of the great struggle and commitment that accomplished the state of Pakistan.”
President Hussain’s message further went on to say that today Pakistan needs the same efforts and commitment from its citizens to unite against evil forces. We must forget our differences and reclaim our country. A country where there is harmony and tolerance, education and prosperity, and people can live in peace and continue to strive towards success.
He said March 23 marks the momentous occasion when Muslims of India resolved to struggle for an independent state based on the principles of equality and justice. Extending his greetings to fellow countrymen, Prime Minister Sharif said that Pakistan has turned a new leaf and will soon be able to overcome all the odds. His government, he said, has embarked upon a vast portfolio of institutional and development ventures that will bear fruit in the near future.
“I wish to reiterate my resolve to the nation that under my watch no effort will be spared to bring tolerance and harmony in Pakistan. I am committed to ensure that Pakistanis are provided with every opportunity to live freely, seek education, gain employment and practice their faith without hindrance, fear and favour,” read the PM’s message.
Three quarters of a century have lapsed since the Muslims of the subcontinent irreversibly resolved to seek their own independent state. Their revered Quaid (Father of the Nation, Muhammad Ali Jinnah) declared that Muslims of South Asia were an independent nation by any definition.
“Quaid’s Pakistan is groping to overcome unprecedented threats and challenges. The peace-loving people of Pakistan are unwittingly exposed to threats posed by terrorism and extremism,” said the prime minister.
He added that Pakistan has been subjected to an existential threat that it has no option but to confront. The anti-state elements are out to threaten not only the lives but also the very fabric of the Pakistani nation.
“But the Pakistanis have irrevocably stood up to the challenge and have resolved never to give in. Pakistan is resolved to redeem its pledge given to its founding fathers that it will protect the homeland,” said Sharif.
“I am a formidable opponent of anachronistic notions of obscurantism and consider it harmful to our national existence. I am confident that with the valued assistance of our valiant armed forces, unconditionally supported by the entire array of political opinion, we will surely overpower threating forces,” said PM Sharif.
After reading out the two leaders’ messages, HoC Javed joined the guests in the special prayers held for the peace and prosperity of Pakistan. He also expressed gratitude on behalf of Pakistan embassy to HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani for their support and best wishes for the people of Pakistan.
The guests were treated to a traditional Pakistani breakfast of halwa puri.
