Pakistani expatriates celebrated their country’s 76th National Day on Wednesday. The highlight of the day was a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Pakistan embassy.

With the national anthem playing in the backdrop, ambassador Shahzad Ahmad hoisted the national flag early in the morning in the presence of dozens of community members and officers of the embassy.

In his speech to the audience, the ambassador went on to congratulate the community members, most of who were attired in Pakistan’s national dress.

Following the tradition, the ambassador read out the Pakistan Day messages from President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

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.

“It is an unfortunate reality that terrorism has affected all segments of the Pakistani society. The terrorists have not spared educational institutions, public places and even places of worship which demonstrates their negative and destructive mind set,” he recalled.

“I am happy that the Pakistani nation is united against this menace and is fully determined to eradicate all forms of terrorism. We can win this battle by putting an end to our differences, promoting brotherhood and tolerance,” he stated.

President Hussain’s message further went on to say that it is imperative therefore to promote education in the country and transfer the fruits of development to every Pakistani in order to achieve this objective.

He said March 23 is the day to renew “our commitment to develop the country in accordance with the principles of justice and equality, the real objective of the creation of Pakistan.”

On this occasion, the President said, the country and its people pay tribute to the Father of the Nation and other leaders of the Freedom Movement who facilitated the creation of Pakistan by uniting the nation through their earnestness, wisdom and unparalleled sacrifices.

Extending his greetings to fellow countrymen, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said in his message that Pakistan has turned a new leaf and will soon be able to overcome all the odds.

“On this occasion we reiterate our resolves to ensure freedom, equality and social justice for every citizen of Pakistan as enshrined in the teachings of Islam. Our government has taken landmark initiatives to safeguard the minorities living in Pakistan and empower Pakistani women,” said the prime minister.

“Our endeavours are aimed at mainstreaming the marginalised segments of our society as we believe that each and every Pakistani is an equal citizen of the land,” he added.

The prime minister pointed out that the Pakistan resolution adopted in 1940, celebrated every year on March 23, galvanised the nation and millions of people sacrificed their lives for the sake of independence.

Today, he said, Pakistan is confronted with unprecedented threats and challenges in the form of extremism and terrorism but “we are resolved to defeat these evils. The menace of extremism and terrorism will be completely wiped out from our soil.”

The prime minister went on to invite the nation to pledge to offer equal opportunities for every Pakistani citizen to achieve a pluralistic society where each and every man and woman works collectively for the progress and prosperity of the country.

“Pakistan was envisioned to be a state where people could freely practice their faith without any fear or threat. I am optimistic that our collective efforts based on plurality, equality and justice would make Pakistan a state as dreamt of by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,” said the Sharif in his message.

After reading out the two leaders’ messages, ambassador Shahzad 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.

Related Story