Independence Day: Pakistan missions across the world celebrate August 14

Envoys urge expatriate Pakistanis to strengthen ties with their hosts.

ISLAMABAD:

The embassies and the high commissions of Pakistan across the world celebrated the Independence Day with traditional fervour.

The ambassadors and high commissioners in their respective missions raised the national flags to the tune of the national anthem in ceremonies attended by the mission staff, their families, and Pakistani community members. The messages of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf were read out at the occasion. Youth and children presented national songs

India

The day started at Pakistan High Commission at New Delhi with morning prayers at mission’s mosque for the prosperity of the country and well-being of the nation. High Commissioner of Pakistan to India Salman Bashir congratulated the Pakistani community residing in India. The students of high commission’s school sang national songs and presented a tableau attired in national and regional dress.

China

Ambassador of Pakistan to China Masood Khan hoisted national flag and read out messages of president and prime minister. The function was attended by members of Pakistani community and students of Pakistan Embassy College. Similar ceremonies were simultaneously held at Consulates General in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Hong Kong.

Iran

Ambassador of Pakistan to Iran Khalid Aziz Babar in his address conveyed grief and sorrow of the people and government of Pakistan over the tragic earthquake that struck parts of Iran on August 11. Leading English daily Iran News published a special supplement marking the Pakistan Independence Day.

Sri Lanka

In her message on the occasion, the High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Seema Ilahi Baloch urged the private sectors of both the countries to enhance interaction and complement each other for mutual benefit. She said the current challenges in global trade called for robust regional trade linkages.

France

The flag-hoisting ceremony at the Embassy of Pakistan, Paris, commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran. As the national anthem was played, the ambassador of Pakistan in France Shafkat Saeed hoisted the national flag. Large number of Pakistanis living in Paris attended the ceremony.

Germany

At the flag hoisting ceremony held at the Pakistan Embassy in Berlin, the Ambassador of Pakistan to Germany, Abdul Basit urged upon the Pakistani community to develop closer ties with the German people to promote and strengthen relations in political, economic, educational and cultural fields between Pakistan and Germany.

Japan

A large number of Pakistanis living in Tokyo attended the Independence Day celebrations at the Pakistan Embassy in Tokyo. Ambassador of Pakistan Noor Muhammad Jadmani in his message impressed upon the Pakistani community to unlock Pakistani economic potential.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2012.