The Pakistan Day was celebrated with patriotic zeal and national spirit here today at the Embassy in an impressive ceremony held to mark the passing of the historic Pakistan resolution document, 76 years ago on 23rd March 1940. The resolution was passed by the Muslim League in its annual session at Lahore, which paved the way for the creation of Pakistan later in 1947, says a press release received here today from Beijing, China.
The Pakistan Day ceremony commenced solemnly with the recitation of the verses from the Holy Quran followed by the national anthem. Ambassador Masood Khalid unfurled the national flag and hoisted it gradually to the mast’s summit as the national anthem tune resounded across the Embassy compound. The participants of the ceremony from all walks of life stood by during the flag hoisting. Later, the Ambassador read out messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan meant for the occasion.
“23rd March is the Day to renew our commitment to develop the country in accordance with the principles of justice and equity, the real objective of the creation of Pakistan. On this auspicious occasion, we pay tribute to the Father of the Nation and other leaders of the Freedom Movement who facilitated the creation of Pakistan by uniting the nation through their earnestness, wisdom and unparalleled sacrifices…,”the President had said.
The Prime Minister in his message had said “ The [Pakistan] resolution galvanized the nation and millions of people sacrificed their lives for the sake of independence. Pakistan was a reality within a short span of time. Today we are confronted with unprecedented threats and challenges in the form of extremism and terrorism, but we are resolved to defeat these evils. The menace of terrorism and extremism will be completely wiped-out from our soil.
On this occasion we reiterate our resolve to ensure freedom, equality and social justice for every citizen of Pakistan as enshrined in the teachings of Islam. Our government has taken landmark initiatives to safeguard the minorities living in Pakistan and empower Pakistani women. Our endeavours are aimed at mainstreaming the marginalized segments of our society as we believe that each and every Pakistani is an equal citizen of the land.
Let us pledge to offer equal opportunities for every Pakistani citizen to achieve a pluralistic society where each and every man and woman work collectively for the progress and prosperity of our country….”
Following the ceremony, the students from the Pakistan Embassy College in Beijing presented national songs on the occasion. While talking to the participants, the Ambassador urged the Pakistani community to unite to defeat the challenges as pointed out by the country’s highest leadership in their messages. He recounted the long and arduous struggle for Pakistan, and how the 23rd March resolution became a milestone in that struggle. He recalled the efforts and sacrifices for Pakistan of the great leader and founding father of the Muslims of the sub-continent Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah that altered the course of history. The Ambassador also spoke about how Pakistan-China ties deepened over the years soon after independence and matured into a multi-dimensional, time-tested all-weather strategic partnership. He told the participants that both countries were working in consonance to pursue the common goals of economic development, well-being of their people, and peace and security of the region. He urged the Pakistani community to endeavour to meet the challenges of their times, to bring honour and win accolades for their country and uphold the best values so as to realize the dreams the founding fathers of the country had envisioned and scale heights for the glory of their country.
The participants included the Embassy staff, the Pakistani community members including students, entrepreneurs, women, children as well as Chinese media persons. Similar flag-hoisting ceremonies were also held at Pakistan’s Consulates in Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
As part of the Pakistan Day activities the Embassy will also hold a grand reception later in the evening at a local hotel to celebrate the occasion.
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