Pakistan Independence Day was observed at the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka on Friday with the hoisting of the national flag and a ceremony attended by members of the Pakistani community, Bangladeshi well-wishers, students, journalists and civil society representatives.
High Commissioner Imran Haider hoisted the national flag as the national anthem was played at the beginning of the programme.
Messages from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar were read out at the event.
The messages conveyed greetings to Pakistanis at home and abroad on Independence Day and paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Muhammad Iqbal and those who took part in the Pakistan Movement.
The Pakistani leadership highlighted the country’s achievements in education, science and technology, sports and defence since independence, and stressed the importance of upholding Jinnah’s guiding principles of unity, faith and discipline to achieve national development goals.
The messages also paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism.
Referring to what it described as the success of Operation Marak-e-Haq against India, the leadership reiterated its resolve to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also said Pakistan would continue to contribute to regional peace, prosperity and security.
The leadership reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and its commitment to resolving the dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Concern was also expressed over what the Pakistani leadership described as terrorism being carried out against neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, from Afghan soil.
Prizes and certificates were distributed among Bangladeshi students who participated in an essay competition titled “Historical Sites in Pakistan”, organised by the High Commission.
The celebrations concluded with special prayers for the peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.