PR No.60 MALEEHA PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE RESILIENCE OF THE PAKISTANI PEOPLE Islamabad: August 16, 2018

Pakistan’s Independence Day was celebrated with fervor and enthusiasm at Pakistan House here today. The national flag was hoisted by the Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi, as the national anthem was played, says a press release received from New York here today. The ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Quran. Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi told the gathering that Pakistan has achieved another milestone in its journey of democratic consolidation. The successful conclusion of general elections once again showed the commitment of the Pakistani people to strengthening democracy. This has paved the way for the peaceful transfer of power from one elected government to another for the third time in Pakistan’s history. Pakistan ‘s Independence Day this year therefore had even greater significance she asserted. Today she said we celebrate Pakistan, we celebrate our democracy and we celebrate the resilience of the people of Pakistan. Ambassador Lodhi read out the Independence Day message of President Mamnoon Hussain while Mr. Naeem Cheema, Acting Consul General New York read out the message from Prime Minister Justice (R) Nasir-ul-Mulk. While talking to the media after the ceremony, Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi further elaborated on the importance of the Day. She paid rich tribute to the country’s founding fathers and the leaders of the Freedom Movement for it was their unstinting faith in the idea of Pakistan that led to the creation of a new nation. She also said that 14 August offers an opportunity to renew our commitment and resolve to abide by the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah , the ideals of equality, justice and fair play. “His emphasis on the rule of law, justice and democracy paved the way for the creation of Pakistan”, she stressed. Expressing solidarity with the people ofJammu and Kashmir, AmbassadorLodhi voiced the hope that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will one day also be able to achieve their fundamental right to self-determination, as enshrined in numerous UN Security Council resolutions. She declared that Pakistan will continue to extend all moral, diplomatic and political support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the attainment of this goal. After the flag hoisting ceremony, Ambassador Lodhi was joined by officers and members of the community in cutting the cake to mark the 72nd Independence Day of Pakistan. The ceremony concluded with a ‘dua’ for the prosperity, progress and well-being of all Pakistanis. The event was attended by officers and staff of the Mission and the Consulate General along with their families, Pakistanis serving at the United Nations and members of the Pakistani diaspora. ***

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