Independence Day of Pakistan was marked by a flag hoisting ceremony at the Pakistan High Commission London today. High Commissioner Moazzam Ahmad Khan hoisted the national flag in the presence of the diaspora community and British friends of Pakistan who turned up in large numbers to attend the Diamond Jubilee celebration of Pakistan, says a press release received here today from London. In his address to the community, the High Commissioner felicitated the Pakistanis on the 75th Independence Anniversary of Pakistan and termed it an important milestone in the national life. He paid glowing tributes to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal and other heroes of Pakistan Movement who achieved an independent state for the Muslims of the sub-continent. Giving an historical overview of Pakistan, the High Commissioner said Pakistan had seen many ebbs and flows in its short history of 75 years but had successfully overcome all the external and internal challenges. On Pakistan-UK relations, the High Commissioner underscored the importance of historical and deep-rooted bilateral ties and expressed that growing bilateral trade and economic ties were a manifestation of the mutually beneficial relations. He commended the Pakistani diaspora for their vital role in forging closer ties between the two countries. The High Commissioner paid rich tributes to the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people living under the illegal occupation of India. He reiterated Pakistan’s moral, diplomatic and political support to them for their just cause of self-determination. At the ceremony, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan became the first British politician to receive the prestigious Sitara-i-Pakistan for his contribution towards building closer and cordial ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, as well as his services to various communities in the UK. The High Commissioner conferred the civil award on the Mayor on behalf of the President of Pakistan. Felicitating the Mayor, the High Commissioner underlined that conferment of the prestigious civil award was a testimony to Mayor Sadiq Khan's constructive role in bringing our two countries together. On receiving Sitara-i-Pakistan, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am both humbled and honoured to accept the Sitara-i-Pakistan on this special day as Pakistan marks 75 years of independence. Over the past few decades, we’ve undoubtedly seen the fruits of the relationship between our two countries, especially here in London, where those of Pakistani heritage have made – and continue to make – a hugely positive contribution to our society, economy and culture. I look forward to continuing to work with the High Commission to strengthen our relationships and promote opportunities for growth as we work to build a better London for everyone.” On this occasion, a beautiful portrait of the Quaid-i-Azam, painted by a young British Pakistani artist Amina Ansari, was also unveiled to pay special tribute to the Founder of the Nation. The ceremony concluded with popular national songs by local singers. Similar events were held at Pakistan Consulates at Birmingham, Manchester, Bradford and Glasgow. The event coincided with the completion of 75 years of Pakistan-UK diplomatic relations.
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