Pakistan National Day was commemorated in Pretoria with traditional zeal and fervor. The Day began with a simple but graceful flag hoisting ceremony, to which entire Pakistani community was invited. Messages of President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out.
A dinner reception was organized in the evening at Pretoria County Club. The event was attended by host country senior officials, Ambassadors, prominent businessmen, academia and other notables. In his video message, Minister for Transport Mr. Fikile Mbalula, representing the South African Government greeted the President, Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan on this auspicious occasion. Referring to the friendly relations between the two countries, he recalled Pakistan's support for South Africa in its struggle against apartheid.
In his remarks, High Commissioner Mazhar Javed thanked the Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula for his warm sentiments and the need to further deepen the bilateral relations especially in the field of trade and economy.
He highlighted the importance of Pakistan's geographic location as a natural choice for being the regional economic nerve-centre, straddling various regions. Emphasizing the need for durable peace in the region, he underlined the need to resolve the Jammu Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions.
A Pakistan Musical evening was arranged alongside the reception.
The High Commissioner presented a certificate of recognition to Martin Thembe, a Pretoria University student, for his participation in international declamation contest titled "Humanity in Kashmir" organized last year.
All arrangements were made with strict adherence to the COVD precautions following the relevant regulations of the Government of South Africa.
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