Pakistan HC holds reception to mark 84th National Day of Pakistan

Pakistan High Commission in the Maldives held a reception on Monday night to commemorate to the 84th National Day of Pakistan.

The reception, held at Hotel Jen in Male’ City, was attended by senior Maldivian government officials – Including ministers and state ministers –  ambassadors, high commissioners and diplomats from various nations, representatives from state-owned and private enterprises, senior officials from Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), Pakistani community residing in the Maldives, members of the Pakistan Maldives Friendship Association (PMFA) and media persons.

Maldives’ Minister of Social and Family Development Aishath Shiham attended the event as chief guest.

Speaking at the event, Pakistan High Commissioner to the Maldives Vice Admiral (R) Muhammed Fayyaz Gilani paid tribute to Pakistan’s founding fathers, particularly Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, for their vision and for pursuing the democratic struggle for the creation of Pakistan.  

Detailing the various strides made by Pakistan in multiple fields over the years, High Commissioner Gilani emphasized the resilience and ability of Pakistan to bounce back stronger in the face of challenges.

He also underscored the diplomatic initiatives undertaken by Pakistan in the international arena to promote peace, harmony and development.

The High Commissioner affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and diplomacy for peace at the regional and international level besides underscoring Pakistan’s firm belief in the supremacy of the UN Charter and international law. On this note, he stressed that “Pakistan strongly demands implementation of UN Resolutions on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and the Occupied Palestinian Territories”.

Speaking further, High Commissioner Gilani shed light on the Pakistan-Maldives relations which he stated was based upon common faith, culture, historic links, mutual trust and respect for each other. He provided a brief on the areas in which cooperation between the two nations are underway, adding the leadership of the nations met on the sidelines of COP28 in December 2023 during which it was agreed to further deepen the ties in all fields particularly in trade, health, tourism, climate, and people to people contacts. He expressed confidence that bilateral ties between Pakistan and Maldives will further be strengthened in years ahead.

The chief guest, Minister Aishath Shiham also delivered remarks during the reception during which she conveyed facilitations on the occasion on behalf of Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to the president and the prime minister of Pakistan in addition people of Pakistan. She conveyed appreciation to Pakistan for the cooperation and assistance rendered by the nation on a bilateral level, while noting both countries also have good cooperation at the international fora.

The Minister also expressed the Maldivian government’s commitment to further enhance ties with Pakistan.

Pakistan’s National Day falls on March 23rd. Deputy High Commissioner Zulqurnain Ahmad attributed the delayed reception to the occasion coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan.

The deputy high commissioner detailed that March 23, 1940, was the day when the conceptual foundation of Pakistan was laid by adopting a resolution by the Muslims of the subcontinent, demanding a separate homeland – titled the ‘Pakistan Resolution’.