The Pakistani community in Qatar celebrated their nation’s 65th Independence Day on a grand scale yesterday.Pakistan’s Ambassador Mohamed Sarfraz Ahmad Khanzada hoisted the national flag at the embassy at 7.30am in the presence of a large gathering of community members.The ceremony started with a recitation from the Qur’an, concluded with Duaah and paid homage to the Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohamed Ali Jinnah and all his companions, for the betterment and solidarity of Pakistan.In the embassy auditorium, the envoy read the messages of Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani.In his message, Zardari complimented all Pakistanis living within the country and abroad.He recalled that 64 years ago, the birth of Pakistan epitomised the successful culmination of a long and arduous struggle against heavy odds by Muslims of the subcontinent under the inspiring leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Mohamed Ali Jinnah. “The Quaid envisioned Pakistan as a homeland for the Muslims of South Asia where democracy, constitutionalism and rule of law would reign supreme,” the president said. Pakistan was envisaged to be a country where there would be no discrimination on the basis of creed, gender and sect and where minorities would enjoy equal rights as citizens of the state and fully integrated in the mainstream of national life.Zardari observed that Pakistan today, is confronted with many challenges. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)-led coalition government is determined to vigorously pursue the objective of taking Pakistan along the path of prosperity, progress and democracy. Asserting that the PPP has a long history of struggle for the achievement of the objectives for which Pakistan was created, the president said that countless political workers and activists have laid down their lives in the pursuit of this objective.“We are witnessing the power of democracy in action. Let us collectively employ the democratic power in the service of the country and people,” he urged.In his message, Prime Minister Gilani recalled that the establishment of Pakistan was a culmination of the Muslims’ relentless political and constitutional struggle to preserve their cultural identity, heritage, civilisation including the protection of their political and economic rights. “It is a matter of immense pride that Pakistan came into being as a result of democratic, political and constitutional struggle and Pakistan’s future lies in democracy and representative rule,” he said. Gilani stressed that at a time when the people are celebrating this auspicious day both inside and outside Pakistan with traditional zeal and zest, the country is up against multiple challenges. “I call it ‘defining phase’ because many positive developments have taken place in the country, which have the potential of putting our polity back on track as envisaged by the Founding Father.“Pakistan has successfully taken on the challenge of terrorism and extremism under the present democratic government in line with our national interest and global commitments. The government, with the support of people of Pakistan, has made significant strides in fighting out terrorism. Pakistani nation and its security forces have rendered huge sacrifices both in man and material to protect the national identity and preserve the sovereignty of Pakistan against all odds.The prime minister stated that by the grace of God, Pakistan has a functioning democracy, independent judiciary, and a vocal parliament. Similarly robust media, assertive civil society and enlightened middle class are the manifestation of a vibrant Pakistan.“Pakistan is a gift of God and it is the sacred duty of all of us to work hard for its progress and development in order to make qualitative difference in the lives of people. “If we forge unity in our ranks, there is no reason why we cannot surmount the current challenges in line with the vision of the Quaid-e-Azam Mohamed Ali Jinnah,” Gilani added.Ambassador Khanzada, while congratulating the Pakistani community, stressed on the solidarity and discipline among Pakistanis.“My advice to all my fellow citizens is to live with honour and dignity while respecting the local laws and actively participate with full spirit for the development of Qatar.” He appreciated the brotherly ties between the two countries and the Qatar leadership.“The government of Pakistan is committed to further deepen Pakistan’s strong bonds with their Qatari brothers. We are also grateful to the beloved leadership of Qatar for their special patronage for Pakistanis,” the envoy said.The ambassador, who is also the chairman of the board of governors of Pakistan Education Centre (PEC), the community’s largest school in Qatar, spoke about the QR3.2mn renovation plan of the institution’s premises.The mega development programme will not only fulfil the future needs but also change the face of the school altogether.To improve the academic standards, enthusiastic and qualified teachers and professionals from Pakistan are being interviewed and employed.“For the first time in the history of PEC, a well-experienced, lady principal who has a PhD has been appointed by the board of governors to head the school,” he said.Khanzada urged the Pakistanis to visit PEC, appreciate the policies and efforts of the board of governors and give advise where needed.The programme was conducted by the head of chancery Ashar Shahzad.