Pakistan Embassy in Washington marks Independence Day

WASHINGTON:

The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington marked the 79th anniversary of Pakistan's independence on Friday with a flag-hoisting ceremony, celebrating the country's journey since independence, paying tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and reaffirming the enduring strength of Pakistan-US relations.

Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh hoisted the national flag to the strains of the national anthem in the presence of members of the Pakistani-American community, diplomatic officials and media representatives.

In his keynote address, Ambassador Sheikh described Pakistan as a "miracle of history" forged through the heroic freedom struggle of its founding generation.

"Pakistan is a reality today because of the sacrifices rendered by our forefathers during that seven-year struggle—by those who migrated to Pakistan, leaving behind their homes, businesses, and families to build a new homeland," he said.

A key feature of the ceremony was the unveiling of a statue of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to mark his upcoming 150th birth anniversary.