BEIJING/NEW DELHI: Grand flag hoisting ceremonies were held at the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing and the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi to mark Pakistan Day.
At the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi hoisted the national flag as the national anthem played in the background. Messages from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were read out, emphasising the significance of the Lahore Resolution of March 23, 1940, in the creation of Pakistan.
Pakistan’s leadership reaffirmed its support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and urged the international community to implement UN resolutions on Kashmir.
Ambassador Khalil Hashmi encouraged the Pakistani community in China to promote a positive image of Pakistan, while highlighting welfare initiatives for Pakistani students and expatriates. The ceremony also underscored Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing trade and economic cooperation with China.
Special prayers were offered for Pakistan’s development, prosperity, and stability.
Similarly, a grand Pakistan Day celebration took place at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi, where Charge d’Affaires Saad Ahmed Warraich hoisted the national flag. Messages from Pakistan’s leadership were read, extending best wishes to Pakistanis and supporters of Pakistan.
In his address, Warraich highlighted the historical importance of the Lahore Resolution, stating that it paved the way for a separate homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent. He paid tribute to the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to justice, equality, and an Islamic welfare state.
He further emphasised that Pakistan’s defence is invincible, calling the nuclear-armed nation’s armed forces a shield against internal and external threats.
Addressing the Kashmir issue, he reaffirmed that a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, remains essential for lasting peace.
