Celebration of the 76th Independence Day of Pakistan was held in a dignified manner today at Pakistan's Mission to the United Nations, New York, jointly with the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York, 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. In his remarks on the occasion, Ambassador Munir Akram 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. “The vision of Allama Iqbal and the foresight of the Quaid-e-Azam in advancing the rationale for Pakistan and securing its establishment are being vividly validated today in the manifestations of repression and discrimination against Muslims in India” said Ambassador Munir Akram. “Freedom is never free. Our founding fathers faced vigorous opposition and secured Pakistan through determination, resolve, wisdom and democratic struggle. Hundreds of thousands of our fore-bearers sacrificed their lives in the quest to reach their promised homeland and fulfill their dream of nationhood and liberty. We must never forget their sacrifice and heroism, their ideals, and their aspirations for Pakistan”. he insisted. Expressing his solidarity with the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he said that “Today, as we celebrate our independence, we stand firmly with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their struggle for their right to self-determination and freedom from India’s illegal occupation. Pakistan will not relent in demanding at the UN and in other forums that the people of Jammu and Kashmir be enabled to exercise their right to self determination in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council.” 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. 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. He also expressed his resolve that Pakistan will achieve the priority objectives at the UN during these times of tr Deputy Permanent Representative Mr. Aamir Khan read out the message of the President Dr. Arif Alvi while the message of the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was read by Trade Counselor at the Consulate General, New York Mr. Talat Gondal 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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