PAKISTAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATED IN SRI LANKA Islamabad, August 14, 2013. The High Commission of Pakistan and the Pakistani community in Sri Lanka celebrated the 67th Independence Day of Pakistan with traditional fervor and resolve to make Pakistan a strong, dynamic progressive tolerant and democratic Islamic welfare state. The High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic Pakistan in Sri Lanka Maj Gen ® Qasim Qureshi hoisted the national flag of Pakistan in an impressive ceremony at the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo. Subsequently, the messages of the President and the Prime Minster of Pakistan were read out. The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari in his message said “The Independence Day celebrations this year have special significance as the nation is also celebrating, for the first time, peaceful democratic transition from one democracy to another. While our heads bow in gratitude before Allah we should also, on this auspicious occasion of double rejoicing, resolve to make Pakistan a truly modern, dynamic, progressive and democratic country. On this day I urge the people to stand firm and united for safeguarding and strengthening democracy and to work collectively for a progressive, tolerant, moderate and pluralistic Pakistan as envisioned by our great leaders. On this day, I also wish to pay tribute to those valiant sons of the soil who have sacrificed their lives defending motherland from internal and external threats. I also pay tributes to the courage of all those fellow citizens who laid down their lives or suffered grievously fighting against militancy and extremism.” In his message, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said “Pakistan is our identity that we earned through immense sacrifices. Countless people gave their blood to kindle the light of freedom and millions had to migrate for this purpose. Our elders sacrificed their present for our future. Today we remember our forefathers and pay our gratitude to them for making extraordinary sacrifices to give us an identity. A new era of hope and optimism has dawned in the country with the inception of the present democratic government. Pakistan Muslim League, the founding party of the country, has taken over the reins of government with a renewed zeal and determination. The PML(N) believes that the well being and security of the country hinges on the continuation of democratic process and respect for the peoples’ rights. The present government is committed to eliminate all evils from the country and take it to new heights of development and prosperity. It is our utmost effort to eliminate hunger, unemployment and inflation so that there is prosperity in the country and its status is further elevated. The government is also fully committed to weed out extremism and terrorism from the country, and will ensure its safety and security by all means. With the grace of Almighty God and the active support of the people, we will not only surmount all challenges but also put the country on the trajectory of development.” In his message on the occasion, the High Commissioner of Pakistan Maj Gen(Retd) Qasim Qureshi said “Although, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have enjoyed extremely cordial and friendly ties ever since both countries achieved independence; the historical and cultural links between our two peoples date back to the time when the Indus Valley and Gandhara Civilizations prospered in what is now Pakistan. Such exemplary relations having depth, breath and diversity serve as a beacon for other countries of South Asia. Economic cooperation coupled with peaceful resolution of disputes will pave the way for a promising future for our region, which all our peoples, so richly deserve. At the bilateral level, while we continue to nurture our defense and cultural ties, we are exploring ways to broaden as well as deepen our economic ties, through enhancing trade and bilateral investment within the framework of the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries. Both our countries face significant challenges, at the same time we have tremendous opportunities. This mutuality provides a wide canvas for both countries to help and support each other, in order to jointly overcome challenges and maximize opportunities.” Members of the Pakistani community, High Commission officials, dignitaries of Sri Lanka and media persons attended the ceremony.
Posted on: Wed, 14 Aug 2013 19:18:48 +0000
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