The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C. marked the 79th Independence Day of Pakistan and Marka-e-Haq with a dignified flag-hoisting ceremony. Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh hoisted the national flag to the tune of the national anthem, in the presence of members of the Pakistani American community, embassy officials, and media representatives.
The event commenced with the recitation of messages from the President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan, reaffirming the nation’s unity and commitment to progress. The celebrations featured patriotic songs, video messages from U.S. Congress members, and greetings from American students and citizens, followed by a traditional Pakistani breakfast.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh described Pakistan as a miracle of history that came into being after a heroic freedom struggle of our founding fathers.
“As we celebrate the 79th Independence Day, the two-nation theory stands vindicated more than ever,” said the Ambassador.
Paying tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces for their resounding victory in Operation Bunyan-al-Marsoos, the Ambassador reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to defend its sovereignty.
“The Hindutva-inspired Indian government of the Bharatiya Janata Party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attacked Pakistan thinking it was a walkover. But their malicious intent was overtaken by the valor of our armed forces,” he stated. “Pakistan, a peace-loving nation, never sought this war, it was imposed on us. Yet, we emerged stronger.” added the Ambassador.
Ambassador Sheikh also underscored economic development as the “unfinished agenda of Bunyan-al-Marsoos.
“We need to work harder, because the spirit of Bunyan-al-Marsoos will not be fulfilled until we stand tall among the comity of nations with a strong economy. Pakistan and its defense will be impregnable if our economy is strong, “he remarked.
Highlighting recent economic progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Ambassador Sheikh noted, “Pakistan’s economic outlook is clearly improving. Foreign exchange reserves have grown, and for the first time in decades, we’ve achieved a current account surplus. Inflation is down, and key economic indicators are on the rise. Reflecting this progress, Fitch, S&P, and just yesterday Moody’s have all upgraded Pakistan’s credit rating.”
On Pakistan-U.S. relations, Ambassador Sheikh reiterated that bilateral ties are moving on a “positive, ascendant trajectory,” stating, “The two mega countries of the future need to have a strong relationship, it is an imperative, not a choice.”
The Ambassador lauded the Pakistani American diaspora as a “true strength for Pakistan” and invited them to partner in advancing bilateral ties.
“Let’s team up for Pakistan. Each Pakistani here in the United States is an ambassador. I delegate full powers to you to work for strengthening bilateral ties. Long live Pak–America friendship, long live Pakistan,” he concluded.
The ceremony concluded with the Ambassador thanking all attendees for joining the Embassy in celebrating both Pakistan’s Independence Day and the nation’s victory in Marka-e-Haq during Operation Bunyan-al-Marsoos.
