On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad hoisted national flag to the tune of the national anthem at the Embassy of Pakistan, Paris and welcomed distinguished members of the community and French friends including large number of children. The messages of the President, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion. The Ambassador noted that 14th August was truly auspicious as it brought together the entire nation - in celebration, in paying homage to the Quaid-e-Azam and other leaders of the freedom movement, in remembrance of the supreme sacrifices of our forefathers, in honoring our heroes and drawing inspiration from our glorious past and the tremendous achievements over the decades. It was also a moment of reflection, of recognizing the challenges confronting us and seizing the immense opportunities presented to us. Congratulating all on the Independence Day, the Ambassador said that we needed to draw guidance from the words of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah when he said “If we want to make this great State of Pakistan happy and prosperous, we should wholly and solely concentrate on the well-being of the people, especially of the masses and the poor”. All segments of the society in particular women and youth had an important role to play in national development. He emphasized the value of collective and individual responsibility in upholding and promoting the image and prestige of Pakistan. Praising national hero Arshad Nadeem’s Olympics gold medal, he noted how the accomplishment of an individual can bring immense joy and pride for the nation and project the country’s name world-wide. Ambassador Ahmad emphasized that as we celebrate our freedom we must not forget our Kashmiri and Palestinian brothers and sisters, who have been struggling for over seven decades against illegal occupation and oppression. Pakistan reaffirmed its complete solidarity and full support for the people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine for their freedom and right to self-determination. Further, the Ambassador highlighted that Pakistan enjoys close cooperative relations with France and looked forward to Pakistani diaspora for further cementing the bond of friendship between the two countries. “We are proud of your hard work and accomplishments and consider you as true Ambassadors of Pakistan”, he said. The Ambassador noted that Pakistan stood tall and proud in the comity of nations with significant contributions towards shared objectives of global peace, security and development. We, all Pakistanis, inside or outside Pakistan are committed to serve our country to the fullest. May the national flag always fly high as a symbol of peace, prosperity and progress! Later, the guests enjoyed tableau prepared by children, national songs and traditional Pakistani food.
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