Pakistan High Commission marks Pakistan’s Independence Day

Pakistan High Commission in the Maldives has celebrated Pakistan’s 78^th Independence Day with full fervor and zeal.

The celebrations kicked off with a flag hoisting ceremony at the High Commission on Wednesday morning which was attended by Pakistan High Commissioner to the Maldives Vice Admiral (R) Muhammed Fayyaz Gilani, Deputy High Commissioner Zulqurnain Ahmad and a large number of Pakistani and Maldivian citizens.

The ceremony started with the recitation of Holy Quran following which High Commissioner Gilani hoisted to the flag to the tune of Pakistan’s national anthem.

Speaking at the ceremony, the High Commissioner congratulated fellow Pakistanis on the anniversary of independence while highlighting the importance of the occasion. In this regard, he paid rich tribute to the country’s independence hero, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who is also referred to as the “Father of Pakistan”, and other leaders of the Pakistan Freedom Movement whose visionary leadership and sacrifices made the dream of homeland, Pakistan a reality.

High Commissioner Gilani also highlighted the about current progress and development of the nation and spoke regarding the available potential of various sectors in Pakistan.

He also took a moment to remember the brave people of the Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine who have been fighting for their right to self-determination for over seven decades and facing worst form of atrocities. He reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to extend moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir until they achieve their universal right to self-determination.

The High Commissioner also extended prayers for early recovery as Maldives currently battles severe weather conditions across the nation with torrential rains causing severe flooding and damage to the properties. He extended best wishes to the people of Maldives and prayed for continued progress and development.

High Commissioner Gilani expressed confidence that the long-standing ties between Pakistan and Maldives would further be strengthened in the years to come.

Deputy High Commissioner Zulqurnain also extended heartfelt felicitations to the Pakistani citizens on the occasion and paid gratitude to distinguished guests and Maldivian fellows who joined the ceremony.

The flag hoisting ceremony was followed by children, in cultural dresses, singing national songs and presenting performances. A cake was also cut to celebrate the occasion.

Pakistan observes August 14^th as its Independence Day marking when it was declared a sovereign state following the termination of the British Raj in August 1947. Pakistan came into existence as a result of the Pakistan Movement, which targeted the creation of an independent Muslim state in the north-western regions of British India by division.