The Consulate General of Pakistan and the Pakistani community based in Jeddah celebrated the 78th National Day of Pakistan with traditional fervour and resolve to make Pakistan a strong, vibrant, progressive and democratic welfare state, says a press release received here today from Jeddah. The National Day of Pakistan is celebrated every year on the 23rd March to commemorate the outstanding achievement of the Muslims of Sub-Continent who passed the historic “Pakistan Resolution” on this day at Lahore in 1940 which culminated in creation of Pakistan after 7 years. The Consul General Mr. Shehryar Akbar khan hoisted the national flag of Pakistan in presence of smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan army and Pakistan Navy, held at the residence of the Consul General in Jeddah. Later, the Ms Fouzia Fayyaz, Consul read out the message of President and Deputy Consul General Mr. Shaiq Bhutto read out the message of Prime Minister to the audience. In his address the Consul General Shehryar Akbar Khan congratulated Pakistani community on the occasion. He said that the economy of Pakistan’s is growing at a good pace and the Pakistani expatriates have a very significant role in this growth. He said that 2.7 million Pakistanis people living in Saudi Arabia are dynamic part of this community and they have played a major role in promoting relations with Saudi Arabia. He said that terrorism from Pakistan has been completely eliminated from Pakistan by the hard work of defense forces and law enforcement agencies and the will of the people of Pakistan. Today, a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan is an important destination for foreign investors. China's Pakistan Economic Corridor is an important example where foreign investors, including Saudi Arabia are eyeing to participate. The Consul General said that our community is our strength and the consulate is providing the best possible services to the community. Last year on average 4000 Pakistanis were provide services on daily basis. Dues of overseas Pakistanis worth Rs 680 million were recovered through labor courts while 85 million were recovered through Sharia courts. Later school children’s played national songs and local poets presented their poetry on Pakistan Day celebration. Consul General also cut Pakistan Day cake with the children who had come to attend the event. Pakistan Consulate Jeddah also organized a reception in Jeddah to celebrate the Pakistan Day. Director General Saudi Foreign Ministry, Mecca Region Jamal Bakar al-Balkhoyor was the Chief Guest at the occasion. Pakistan's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Khan Hasham bin Saddique and Consul General Pakistan in Jeddah Shehryar Akbar Khan also attended the ceremony. There was a large number of embassies, Saudi officials and Pakistani communities on this occasion. Consulate General of the other countries, besides China, America, South Africa, Turkey, Italy, Japan, Egypt, Jordan, Sri Lanka, and Brunei also attended the ceremony. The ceremony started with the national anthems of both countries. Pakistan Ambassador Khan Hasham bin Siddique welcomed the guests at the event. Addressing the audience, he congratulated all Pakistani communities on Pakistan’s National Day. He said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are tied in a close and multifaceted brotherly relationship which enjoys support from people on both sides. Khan Hasham said that Regular interaction between the high officials of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia demonstrate the depth in relationship of both the countries. Last year's high level visits from both side including that of Prime Minister and President of Pakistan exhibit that fact. He thanked Custodian of two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman for their continued support to Pakistan. The Ambassador said that Pakistan is emerging as a strong and vibrant nation. It has successfully eradicated extremism and terrorism. Our economy is showing positive trajectory with 5.5% growth in last four years. We are expecting 6% growth this year and inflation has gone down to 3.8%, he added. He said that democracy has strengthened in Pakistan and a democratic government is completing its term this year while a new government will take over after general elections. Consul General, Shehryar Akbar Khan, welcoming the guests said that, "seventy eight years ago, on 23rd March 1947, the Muslims of sub-continent through Lahore Resolution decided to establish an independent state for themselves, and in the short term of seven years, they were able to achieve it. He said that Pakistan has maintained cordial and brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia since its inception. Pakistanis has played an important role in its development through its quality human resource, he added. 2.7 million Pakistani people living in Saudi Arabia are vibrant force of the Saudi society that has played a major role in Saudi Arabia's social and economic development. Referring to the positive impact of Saudi Vision 2030 on Saudi economy, he said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has likewise created new opportunities for development in Pakistan. Our efforts and prayers are that these projects will play a significant role in the development of both the countries, he added. Later on, the guests cut the cake to commemorate the day and prayed for the integrity and development of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
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