THE Consulate General of Pakistan along with the Pakistani community in Jeddah celebrated the 78th National Day of Pakistan with traditional fervor and the resolve to make the nation a strong, vibrant, progressive and democratic welfare state.

The National Day of Pakistan is celebrated every year on March 23 to commemorate the outstanding achievement of the Muslims of the subcontinent who passed the historic Pakistan Resolution in Lahore on this day in 1940, which culminated in the creation of Pakistan after seven years.

Consul General Shehryar Akbar Khan hoisted the national flag of Pakistan in the presence of contingents of Pakistan Srmy and Pakistan Navy at his residence in Jeddah. Later, Consul Fouzia Fayyaz and Deputy Consul General Shaiq Bhutto respectively read out messages from the president and the prime minister to the nation.

Khan congratulated Pakistani community on the occasion. He said the economy of Pakistan is growing at a good pace and the Pakistani expatriates have a very significant role in this growth. He said 2.7 million Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia are a dynamic part of this community and they have played a major role in promoting relations with the Kingdom.

He said the terrorism threat has been completely eliminated from Pakistan by the hard work of the defense forces and law enforcement agencies and the will of the people of the country. “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,” he said.

The consul general said our community is our strength and the consulate is providing the best possible services to them. Last year an average 4,000 Pakistanis were provided various services on a daily basis. Dues of overseas Pakistanis worth Rs680 million were recovered through labor courts while Rs85 million were recovered through the intervention of Shariah courts.

Following the consul general’s address, schoolchildren played patriotic songs and local poets presented their poetry on Pakistan Day.

The consul general also cut the Pakistan Day cake with the children who had come to attend the event.

The consulate later organized a reception to celebrate the occasion. Director General of Saudi Foreign Ministry’s Makkah Region office Jamal Bakar Al-Balkhoyor was the chief guest. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Khan Hasham Bin Saddique and Consul General Khan attended the ceremony. A large number of diplomats, Saudi officials and members of the Pakistani community were present. They included consuls general of China, the United States, South Africa, Turkey, Italy, Japan, Egypt, Jordan, Sri Lanka, and Brunei, among others.

The ceremony started with the national anthems of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Ambassador Khan Hasham welcomed the guests. Addressing the audience, he congratulated all Pakistani community members on their National Day. He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are tied in a close and multifaceted brotherly relationship, which enjoys the support of people on both sides.

Khan Hasham said regular interactions between the top officials of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia demonstrate the depth of the bilateral relations.

Last year’s high-level visits from both sides including that of prime minister and president of Pakistan testify this. Khan Hasham thanked Custodian of two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman for their continued support to Pakistan.

The ambassador said, “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 percent growth in the last four years. We are expecting a 6 percent growth rate this year and inflation has gone down to 3.8 percent.”

He said democracy has strengthened in Pakistan and a democratic government is completing its term this year while a new government will take over after the general elections.

Consul General Khan, welcoming the guests said, “Seventy-eight years ago, on 23rd March 1947, the Muslims of the sub-continent through the Lahore Resolution decided to establish an independent state for them, and in the short term of seven years, they were able to achieve it.”

He said 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 said, adding that 2.7 million Pakistani people living in Saudi Arabia are vibrant force of Saudi society and have played a major role in the country’s social and economic development.

Referring to the positive impact of Saudi Vision 2030 on Saudi economy, he said 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 both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. — SG