In a first for Pakistan, Lodhi rings NASDAQ's bell to mark independence day

NEW YORK: Pakistan’s permanent Ambassador to the United Nations Dr Maleeha Lodhi on Friday rang the opening bell at the NASDAQ Stock Exchange in New York to signal the ceremonial start of trading, saying Pakistan's economy is on the upswing as it pursues liberal economic and investor-friendly policies.  

"We are open for business, and we are open to foreign investment," she told traders and investors, gathered at the impressive ceremony held in NASDAQ's office in New York's Time Square to mark 69th year of Pakistan's establishment.

This is the first time the stock exchange has opened its doors to an ambassador from Pakistan to ring the opening bell to mark its Independence Day.

Ambassador Dr. Maleeha Lodhi and the Pakistan American Business Association (PABA) rings the @Nasdaq Opening Bell! pic.twitter.com/jL5UHwz9fD

— Nasdaq Exchange (@NasdaqExchange) August 28, 2015

A video based on a song by Najam Shiraz was screened ahead of the ceremony. The film depicted historic spots across Pakistan and various features of life in the country. The video was also played on the giant screen in Times Square.  Pakistan's national flag was also flashed across the screen.

"It is an honour to represent Pakistan at the NASDAQ opening bell ceremony as part of our Independence Day celebrations from the platform of the Pakistan-American Business Association (PABA) which is doing an excellent job to promote Pakistan-US business ties through private sector cooperation," Dr Lodhi said before pressing the button to set off the bell.

This morning as part of Independence Day celebrations for the 1st time NASDAQ joined us and we rang the opening bell pic.twitter.com/UcbSQN5Dhk

— Maleeha Lodhi (@LodhiMaleeha) August 28, 2015

Here is another one in Times Sq pic.twitter.com/cRSvbxYJxz

— Maleeha Lodhi (@LodhiMaleeha) August 28, 2015

pic.twitter.com/hWyS9NmzKW

— Maleeha Lodhi (@LodhiMaleeha) August 28, 2015

Times Square this morning pic.twitter.com/TlCONM7v18

— Maleeha Lodhi (@LodhiMaleeha) August 28, 2015

Times Square pic.twitter.com/tMYOmCLzZA

— Maleeha Lodhi (@LodhiMaleeha) August 28, 2015