The 83rd celebration of Pakistan Day was held at Pakistan Mission to the United Nations, New York jointly with the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York today, says a press release received here today from New York. The national flag was hoisted by the Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN Ambassador Munir Akram, as the national anthem was played. The ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Quran. Ambassador Munir Akram congratulated all Pakistanis on celebrating this historic day when the idea of Pakistan was conceived. He also felicitated on the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan. Ambassador paid tribute to the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and all the leaders of the Freedom Movement, who conceived, struggled, and sacrificed for the creation of Pakistan. “It was the foresight and strength of our Founding Fathers that has enabled us to live in freedom – freedom to practice our Faith; freedom to pursue our individual and collective well-being” said Ambassador Munir Akram. Expressing his solidarity with the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he said that “On Pakistan day, we cannot forget people of Jammu and Kashmir” “As we witness the suffering of our Kashmiri brothers and sisters, living under Indian occupation, as we see the officially sanctioned discrimination and violence against the 200 million Muslims of India, we cannot but express our gratitude, and the gratitude of our children and their children, for the freedoms that we – Pakistanis – enjoy in our sovereign and independent state” he further said. Expressing his gratitude, he urged to celebrate this day with immense pride but also with deep introspection. We must remember the wisdom and fortitude of our ancestors. We must keep alive the flame of freedom. We must celebrate our successes, and the strength of our country. Counting the strength of Pakistan, he mentioned that – “Pakistan is the 5th large in the world; a major military and nuclear weapon state; our independent foreign policy; our defense of justice and equality across the world”. “Anywhere in the world where the Pakistanis have been given the possibility of improving themselves and of improving the institutions where they work. The results have been magnificent. Pakistan is contributing to progress in science and technology, in finance, in all other fields of work across the world, and therefore we are capable” he reiterated. He also applauded the team of Pakistan Mission and the Consulate General New York saying, “I will say with all modesty that we have established a standard of performance, which does credit to Pakistan, and I thank all of you and to the hard work that all of you put in every day”. “Pakistan enjoys huge respect. In the United Nations, we are represented in all major bodies; we can influence outcomes to lead the world to make to point the way towards international cooperation for peace and prosperity. And these are no small achievements” he added. He urged all to “rededicate ourselves to keep Pakistan's flag flying high and to keep our pride; to keep our strength and dedication to achieve the potential of our country”. “I want to take this occasion therefore to thank all of you and ask you to continue in your efforts to contribute to the greatness and glory of our great nation” he said. He prayed to Almighty Allah to bless our Nation with continuous strength and give us the wisdom to heed the call of our great Founding Father for Unity, Faith and Discipline. Consul General New York, Ms. Ayesha Ali read out the Pakistan Day message of President Dr. Arif Alvi while Deputy Permanent Representative Mr. Aamir Khan read out the message from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the occasion. The event was moderated by Mr. Jibran Durani, from the Permanent Mission, and was attended by officers and staff of the Mission at the United Nations and the Consulate General, New York.
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