[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" size="medium" td_gallery_title_input="Pak expats celebrate Independence Day with patriotic fervor" ids="76763,76762,76761"]
By Syed Mussarat Khalil
JEDDAH — Pakistani nationals residing in the Kingdom enthusiastically celebrated their country's 70th Independence Day with nationalist fervor.
In Jeddah, the day started with an elegant and impressive flag hoisting ceremony by Consul General Shehryar Akber Khan on the consulate premises.
Pakistan Army and Navy officers, consulate officials and staff, dignitaries and a huge number of Pakistani community members attended the ceremony.
The proceedings started with the recitation of Holy Qur'an and its translation by Qari Mohammed Asif. Syed Mohsin Alvi read a patriotic poem.
Asif Hassan Memon, deputy consul general, read out the Independence Day message from President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain and Mohammed Saeed Sarwer, head of chancellery, read out the message from Prime Minister Mohammed Nawaz Sharif.
Speaking on the occasion, Khan highlighted the significance of the independence movement and "the huge sacrifices rendered by our forefathers".
The consul general urged his compatriots to abide by the Kingdom's laws. He pointed out that the Saudi authorities are glad with the behavior and attitude of Pakistanis stranded in workers' camps. He thanked to the community welfare forums for helping out distressed people.
He added that people were thankful to Ambassador Manzoorul Haq for his efforts to alleviate the sufferings of Pakistani workers and for their safe repatriation.
He said the people of Pakistan are united to overcome all internal and external challenges.
On the Kashmir issue, he said Pakistan would continue its full diplomatic, political and moral support to the valiant people of Jammu and Kashmir until they realize their right to self-determination.
Students of the Pakistan International School Jeddah (PISJ) Ali Raza and Ahmed Bin Zubair and famous singer Shahzad Nabi presented national songs while young children presented tableaux.
Earlier Shoib Mubarak, acting consul (press), welcomed the guests.
