The Pakistan Day was celebrated with patriotic zeal and fervour at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, today.
Mr. Saad Ahmad Warraich, Chargé d' Affaires of Pakistan to India hoisted the national flag at an impressive ceremony held at the Chancery Lawns. Officers and Staff of the High Commission along with their families attended the event. Messages of the President, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister were read out on the occasion.
In his remarks, the Chargé d' Affaires said that the Lahore Resolution of 23 March 1940 served as a touchstone for the Muslims of the subcontinent to strive for a separate homeland of their own. He said that under the inspiring leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, this collective aspiration found expression in the establishment of Pakistan within a short span of seven years.
Paying homage to the martyrs of the freedom movement, Mr. Warraich emphasized that their exalted sacrifice serves as a living inspiration for the nation to uphold the precious gift of freedom and to make tireless efforts for the progress and prosperity of the country.
The Charge d’ Affaires underscored that the abiding lesson of history was that only those nations were truly free who were strong enough to defend their freedom. The entire world is witness to Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to preserve and protect its sovereignty and independence. Hailing the role of the valiant armed forces in the defence of the motherland, Mr. Warraich said that Pakistan’s established deterrence was not only a factor of stability in South Asia, but was also an assurance for regional peace.
The Chargé d' Affaires said that peaceful relations between Pakistan and India can only be established based on equality, mutual respect and peaceful settlement of all disputes. He added that a just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people was intrinsic to this end.
A special commemorative cake was also cut on the auspicious occasion.