National flag hoisted at UN to mark Pakistan Day

Pakistani diplomats read out messages by President Mamnoon and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif

NEW YORK: Pakistan's national flag was unfurled at the United Nations on Wednesday at a ceremony to mark country’s National Day.

The national flag was unfurled at the Pakistan House, which houses the country’s mission to the UN and the Consulate General in New York.



Pakistan’s permanent representative at the UN, Dr Maleeha Lodhi, hoisted the national flag and read out a message by President Mamnoon Hussain while Raja Ali Ejaz, Consul General, New York read out the message by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during the ceremony which began with recitation of the Holy Quran.



Further, the Pakistani diplomat paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and the sacrifices made by Muslims of the sub-continent for the creation of Pakistan. “Since its independence Pakistan has made much of progress, but challenges still remain,” Dr Lodhi said.



“Efforts are being made by the government to realise the Quaid's vision for the country and to eliminate the menace of extremism and terrorism,” she added.

The event was largely attended by officers and staff of the Mission and the Consulate General along with their families and members of the Pakistani diaspora.

Later in the evening, a concert was also held in the General Assembly Hall featuring seasoned Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.



The concert titled, Sufi Night: Music of Peace, was aimed at spreading the message of international peace and harmony at the world stage. A large number of diplomats, UN officials, representatives of civil society, media and members of the Pakistani diaspora attended the concert.