The 70th Independence Day of Pakistan was observed with traditional zeal and fervour on Sunday, the 14th of August 2016 in the Consulate General of Pakistan, Toronto. On this occasion, flag-raising ceremony was held at the premises of the Consulate, which was attended by a large number of Pakistani diaspora and prominent members of Ontario Government, including Provincial Minister of Citizenship & Immigration, Hon. Laura Albanese, Hon Iqra Khalid, MP, Hon Salma Zahid, MP, Hon Robert Oliphant, MP and Hon. Dr. Shafiq Qaadri, MPP. Consul General of Turkey, H.E. Mr. Erdeniz Sen also attended the ceremony, says a press release received here today from Toronto.
The event started with the recitation from Holy ‘Quran. After this, messages of the President and the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan were read. A recorded message from the Premier of Ontario, Hon Kathleen Wynne was also played.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest highlighted close and cooperative relations between Pakistan and Canada and hoped that vibrant Pakistani community will continue to play a constructive role in the promotion of this relationship. Hon. Minister Laura Albanese also praised the contribution of Pakistani community to socio-economic development of Canada. Other speakers including Hon Iqra Khalid, MP, Hon Salma Zahid, MP, Hon Robert Oliphant, MP and Hon. Dr. Shafiq Qaadri, MPP recalled their Pakistani roots and hoped that Canada-Pakistan relationship will grow in the days ahead.
The Consul General thanked the speakers as well as other participants for celebrating Pakistan Independence Day with the Consulate General.
He pointed to respect for diversity as a common value cherished by both Pakistanis and Canadians. He highlighted various aspects of present government’s economic policies as well as Prime Minister’s initiatives of peace for development. In the context of regional peace and security, he reiterated government’s call for negotiated settlement of Jammu & Kashmir dispute and immediate cessation of human rights violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir. The ceremony lasted for ‘one and a half hour. Special prayers were offered for the victims of deadly terrorist attack in Quetta.
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