Pakistani missions abroad celebrate Independence Day with patriotic fervour

Pakistani diplomatic missions across the world celebrated Independence Day with traditional zeal and patriotic fervour, holding flag-hoisting ceremonies at embassies, high commissions and consulates.

The ceremonies began with the hoisting of the national flag by Pakistan’s envoys, accompanied by the national anthem. National songs were also played, while participants paid tribute to the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers.

Messages from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar were read out at the gatherings.

The events were attended by members of the Pakistani diaspora, officials of host countries, diplomats, media representatives, embassy staff and their families.

India

The High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi celebrated the 80th Independence Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony led by Chargé d’Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich.

Addressing the gathering, Warraich said the creation of Pakistan under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was not only a triumph of the Muslims of the subcontinent’s conviction to chart their own future but also the fulfilment of their aspiration for a separate homeland.

He said Pakistan had made significant strides across various fields over the years. He described the country’s nuclear capability as a stabilising factor in South Asia and said the Marka-e-Haq demonstrated Pakistan’s resolve to protect its sovereignty and the dignity of its people.

He paid tribute to those who had sacrificed their lives for the country and praised the role of the armed forces in national defence.

Children dressed in traditional attire performed national songs and delivered speeches highlighting the struggle for Pakistan. A cake was also cut.

 Warraich later inaugurated a photo exhibition depicting the life, vision and struggle of Quaid-e-Azam, curated to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the founder of Pakistan.

Afghanistan

The Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul held a flag-hoisting ceremony to commemorate Independence Day, with Ambassador Ubaidur Rehman Nizamani hoisting the national flag.

In his remarks, the ambassador reaffirmed the vision outlined in the leadership’s messages and recalled the struggle of the founding fathers that led to the emergence of an independent homeland.

He also recalled the courage and commitment of the country’s security forces in the face of internal and external threats and reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to overcome these challenges.

The event was attended by Pakistanis working with UN agencies and other international organisations, professionals and students in Afghanistan.

UAE

The Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi organised a flag-hoisting ceremony attended by a large number of members of the Pakistani community and their families.

Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan hoisted the national flag to the tune of the national anthem and urged the community to continue playing a constructive role in Pakistan’s progress and prosperity.

He appreciated the community’s contribution to the development of the UAE and Pakistan’s economy through remittances, and its role as a bridge between the two countries.

The ambassador also thanked the UAE government for its longstanding hospitality towards the Pakistani community and urged Pakistanis to respect local laws.

Children from Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Arab Pakistan School sang patriotic songs and joined the ambassador in cutting the Independence Day cake.

In Dubai, the Consulate General of Pakistan held a flag-hoisting ceremony attended by community members, consulate officials and other guests.

Acting Consul General Fawad Ali Khan said Aug 14 was a symbol of freedom, sacrifice, determination and national identity. He paid tribute to the struggle that led to the creation of Pakistan under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam.

Khan also visited an art exhibition organised in collaboration with Parallel Palette, featuring works by Pakistani artists inspired by the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam and their love for Pakistan.

Australia and France

In Canberra, High Commissioner Irfan Shaukat led the flag-hoisting ceremony at the High Commission for Pakistan.

He paid tribute to the country’s founding fathers and reaffirmed their vision for a sovereign, democratic and progressive Pakistan.

Describing the Pakistani diaspora as one of the country’s greatest national assets, he commended its achievements and contributions to Pakistan’s socio-economic development.

In Paris, Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch hoisted the national flag to the national anthem and welcomed members of the Pakistani community, including a large number of children.

She said Independence Day was an occasion to celebrate freedom, pay homage to Quaid-e-Azam and other leaders of the freedom movement, remember the sacrifices of the forefathers and draw inspiration from the country’s achievements.

She also reaffirmed Pakistan’s political and diplomatic support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.

The ambassador later inaugurated a photo exhibition on the life and work of Quaid-e-Azam, featuring archival records and photographs.

Japan and Saudi Arabia

The Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo held a flag-hoisting ceremony attended by members of the Pakistani community, embassy officials and Japanese friends of Pakistan.

Ambassador Abdul Hameed extended felicitations to Pakistanis in Japan and reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to serving the community and deepening ties between Pakistan and Japan.

In Jeddah, Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabbani led a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Consulate General’s chancery.

He paid tribute to the founding fathers and highlighted Pakistan’s achievements, including its diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability.

He also said the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement had strengthened cooperation, collective defence and the growing strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

A pictorial exhibition featuring nearly 100 historical photographs covering different aspects of Quaid-e-Azam’s life and the Pakistan Movement was also inaugurated.

Azerbaijan and Iran

The Embassy of Pakistan in Baku held a ceremony that began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the hoisting of the national flag.

Ambassador Qasim Mohiuddin paid tribute to the vision and founding principles of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Muhammad Iqbal. He also highlighted the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani Urdu scholar Rovshan Shiranxali and Baku State University student Nazrin Shahgeldiyeva delivered speeches in Urdu on the achievements of Pakistan’s founding fathers.

In Tehran, Ambassador Ian Ahmed Siddiqui addressed a flag-hoisting ceremony attended by members of the Pakistani diaspora.

He highlighted the community’s contribution to Iran’s socio-economic development and the promotion of bilateral relations. He also referred to efforts by both governments to increase bilateral trade and said the Pakistani community was an important stakeholder.

Children from Pakistan Embassy International School and College presented a national song. A collective prayer was also offered for those who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Singapore and UK

In Singapore, High Commissioner Rabia Shafiq hoisted the national flag at Pakistan House to the national anthem.

She paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam and highlighted the resilience of the Pakistani nation and its role in promoting peace and stability. She also congratulated the nation on the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

The ceremony concluded with prayers for global peace and Pakistan’s security, stability and economic prosperity.

In London, High Commissioner Tipu Usman hoisted the national flag at a ceremony attended by members of the Pakistani community, friends of Pakistan, media personnel and High Commission officials and their families.

He paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam and those whose struggle and sacrifices made Pakistan’s independence possible. He described the Pakistani diaspora in the UK as ambassadors of Pakistan and praised its role in strengthening ties between the two countries.

National songs and a musical performance by British-Pakistani soprano Saira Peter featured at the event, followed by cake-cutting.

Germany and Oman

In Berlin, Ambassador Saqlain Syedah hoisted the national flag following a recitation from the Holy Quran. The national anthe of Pakistan and Germany were played.

She paid tribute to the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and highlighted Pakistan’s achievements and potential in areas including green energy, climate justice and information technology.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of an honour to Dr Senta Maria Anna Siller for her humanitarian services, rural women’s empowerment and contributions to community development in Pakistan.

In Muscat, the Embassy of Pakistan held a flag-hoisting ceremony attended by members of the Pakistani community.

The ambassador congratulated the community and said Pakistan had not only achieved a victory on the battlefield but had also emerged as a pivotal state in promoting global peace and security.

He praised the Pakistani-Omani diaspora for its role in supporting Pakistan’s economy through remittances and investment and serving as a bridge between Pakistan and Oman.

China and Bangladesh

In Beijing, Chargé d’Affaires Aizaz Khan hoisted the national flag to the national anthem.

He highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China and noted that the two countries were commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations.

A photo exhibition on the life of Quaid-e-Azam was held, while students of Pakistan Embassy College Beijing gave performances.

In Dhaka, High Commissioner Ian Haider hoisted the national flag at a ceremony attended by Pakistani community members, Bangladeshi friends, students, journalists and civil society representatives.

The event included the distribution of prizes and certificates to Bangladeshi students who participated in an essay competition on “Historical Sites in Pakistan”.

Serbia and Sri Lanka

The Embassy of Pakistan in Belgrade held a flag-hoisting ceremony to mark Independence Day and the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam.

Messages from the country’s leadership were read out, followed by cake-cutting.

In Colombo, High Commissioner Maj Gen (retd) Dr Nayyar Naseer led the ceremony at the Pakistan High Commission.

He paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal and reflected on Pakistan’s resilience and progress.

He also highlighted the enduring warmth between Pakistan and Sri Lanka and noted cooperation in trade, industry, technology, education and cultural exchanges.

Malaysia and Tanzania

The Pakistan High Commission in Malaysia held a flag-hoisting ceremony attended by members of the Pakistani community, civil society, the Malaysia Pakistan Business Council and university students.

High Commissioner Syed Ahsan Raza Shah paid tribute to Allama Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam and highlighted the enduring political, defence and economic relationship between Pakistan and Malaysia.

In Dar es Salaam, the High Commission marked Independence Day and the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam.

Chargé d’Affaires Muhammad Azeem Khan hoisted the national flag and paid tribute to the founder of Pakistan and the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence.

Tajikistan, Vietnam and Mauritius

The Pakistan Embassy in Tajikistan held a flag-hoisting ceremony and paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam and the martyrs of Pakistan. The national anthem and patriotic songs were also played.

In Hanoi, the Embassy of Pakistan held a flag-hoisting ceremony at the chancery. Ambassador read out messages from the president and prime minister to members of the Pakistani community.

In Mauritius, Chargé d’Affaires Khadijah Khalid Khan hoisted the national flag at a ceremony attended by dignitaries, members of the Pakistani diaspora and friends of Pakistan.

She paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam and highlighted the role of the Pakistani community in strengthening ties between Pakistan and Mauritius.

Guangzhou and Thailand

The Pakistan Consulate in Guangzhou held a ceremony attended by Pakistani business leaders, professors, doctors, researchers, students and their Chinese friends and families.

The consul general paid tribute to the founding leaders and highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful coexistence. He also praised the armed forces, security personnel and civilians.

In Bangkok, the Embassy of Pakistan held a ceremony attended by members of the Pakistani diaspora and embassy officials.

Ambassador-designate Saadia Altaf Qazi paid tribute to the martyrs, veterans and founding fathers of Pakistan and reaffirmed the spirit of sacrifice, unity and resilience.

Iraq and Republic of Korea

In Baghdad, Ambassador Muhammad Zeeshan Ahmed hoisted the national flag to the national anthem.

He paid tribute to the struggle and sacrifices that led to the creation of Pakistan and stressed that safeguarding and strengthening the country remained a collective responsibility.

He also highlighted the role of overseas Pakistanis in national development through their professionalism, remittances, investment and positive representation of the country.

The ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and their right to self-determination.

In Seoul, the Embassy of Pakistan organised an Independence Day event attended by Korean friends and members of the Pakistani community.

Ambassador Syed Moazzam H. Shah congratulated Pakistanis in Korea and around the world and urged the community to uphold the principles of the country’s forefathers.

The event featured a performance by a traditional Korean arts group, while Korean singers performed “Dil Dil Pakistan”.

The celebrations across the missions featured flag-hoisting ceremonies, national songs, exhibitions, cultural performances and prayers, bringing together Pakistanis and friends of Pakistan in a shared expression of national pride.