The High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi on Sunday celebrated the country’s 75th Independence Day with patriotic zeal and fervour. Aftab Hasan Khan, chargé d’affaires, raised Pakistan’s flag to the tune of the national anthem at an elegant flag-hoisting ceremony held at the Chancery’s Lawns, the embassy said in an official statement.
Officers and staff of the high commission, along with their families, were present on this auspicious occasion.
Special messages from the president and the prime minister of Pakistan on the 75th anniversary of independence were read out to the audience.
Subsequently, in his remarks, the chargé d’Af-faires congratulated Pakistani nationals on the aus-picious occasion and underscored that freedom is a great and invaluable blessing for any nation.
The Chargé d’Affaires also paid homage to the father of the nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and other great leaders of the freedom movement who had led a historic struggle for the establishment of an independent state for the Mus-lims of the subcontinent.
He highlighted that today “Pakistan is a proud nation on the path of development and prosperity”. “It has a vibrant and dynamic population which is playing a pivotal role in the country’s progress. Standing shoulder to shoulder with them are our valiant armed forces who have remained at the fore-front for the security of our motherland,” he was quoted as saying.
The last 75 years are a testimony to the fact that Pakistan has achieved tremendous progress and success in all spheres of life even in the face of grave challenges. Pakistan will continue to play its responsible role for peace, stability and development in the region and the world, he added.
The Cd’A stressed that Pakistan has always desired for peace in the region and beyond. He un-derscored that Pakistan wants peaceful relations with all its neighbours, including India. However, for durable peace and stability in South Asia, it is essential to resolve the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the UN resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people, he emphasised.
The students of Pakistan High Commission School staged a performance on national songs and delivered speeches highlighting the historic struggle for the creation of Pakistan.
At the end of the ceremony, Begum Chargé d’Affaires Erum Gillani distributed prizes and gifts among the students and teachers of the High Com-mission School. A special cake was also cut by the chargé d’af-faires, along with his spouse as well as other officers of the mission, on this momentous occasion.
In view of the Covid-19 pandemic, strict com-pliance of standard operating procedures was en-sured.
