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ISLAMABAD: The nation
observed Pakistan Day celebrations on Tuesday with a renewed
pledge to make the country a strong, progressive and
prosperous Islamic welfare state.
The day was a general public holiday as people from different
spheres of life took part in various programs and exhibitions
to mark the day across the country.
Traditional Events
Booming with a 31-gun salute in the Federal Capital and 21-gun
salute in the four provincial capitals, the Day dawned.
Special prayers were offered for the country's prosperity and
solidarity.
Pakistan flag was hoisted on principal public and private
buildings throughout the country and all Pakistani missions
abroad.
Indo-Pak Thaw,
Anti-Terrorism Operation
This year national celebrates the day at a time when Islamabad
and New Delhi are focussing on improvement in relations and on
how to resolve their outstanding disputes, including Kashmir
tangle. Both the countries are set to resume formal composite
dialogue in May and June.
Likewise, reports suggest that the government has entered
final phase of its campaign against suspected terrorist
elements in the tribal belt bordering Afghanistan and
elsewhere in the country.
Ties with India
Amid the day’s functions, and as the government is involved in
normalizing ties with India as well as root out sectarianism
and terrorism, there is a common desire among the people of
Pakistan that the menace of terrorism is eliminated once for
all and the dispute with India over the issue of Kashmir is
resolved.
Media
The Web and print media, both Urdu and English newspapers,
published special editions, featuring articles and comments,
highlighting the significance of the day.
The dailies printed rare photographs of the historic event and
the Quaid-e-Azam and other leaders of the Pakistan Movement.
Similarly, electronic media, both the state-owned and private
telecast programs and talk shows, wherein well-known workers
of Pakistan Movement were invited to throw light on the
significance of the day.
Seminar, Functions
Seminars and other colourful functions were organized at
various places to pay homage to the Quaid and great poet and
philosopher Allama Iqbal.
It is a usual feature that on this day, several personalities
from the military and civilian departments are given awards
for their services to the nation in various fields.
President General Pervez Musharraf gave away awards also to
some foreigners who stayed in Pakistan for some years and
rendered services in the country’s betterment.
Change of Guards at Quaid's Mausoleum
The change of guards ceremony was held at the mausoleum of
Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in
Karachi which was followed by the wreath laying by
representatives of Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan
Air Force.
Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad, Sindh Chief Minister Sardar
Ali Mohammad Khan Mehar and provincial Cabinet members visited
the Mazar in the morning to lay floral wreaths and offered
fateha. They also offered fateha at the mazars of Pakistan's
first Prime Minister late Liaquat Ali Khan and Mohtarma Fatima
Jinnah.
A large number of school children, workers of social
organisations visited Mazar to pay homage to Father of the
Nation and laid floral wreaths. Pakistan flag was hoisted on
principal public and private buildings throughout the city.
Various organisation, town municipal administrations and
schools held seminars and functions to pay homage to the
Father of the Nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Exhibition
The National Museum of Pakistan has organised a special
exhibition in which some rare documents belonging to freedom
fighters, and photographs of National Heroes were displayed to
mark Pakistan Day.
The Photographs have been selected from Museum archives,
illustrating various political activities of our great heroes
who fought against the British Empire and ultimately won over
an independent homeland for the Muslims of sub-continent.
Overseas
'Pakistan Times' Foreign Correspondents in diverse
vicinities of the globe report that alike at home, the
Pakistan Day was also celebrated by overseas Pakistanis with
zeal and zest, depicting overtly, their love and allures for
their original abode, Pakistan.
Side-by-side functions, which tool place at Pakistani
missions, the overseas Pakistanis along with their Kashmiri
brethren also arranged events on their own with a view to
appraise the new generation of the magnitude of sacrifices,
which were given at the time of seeking independence from
centuries-old alien rule.
The focus of these functions was the great and grand
personality of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad
Ali Jinnah who achieved Pakistan through his dynamic
leadership and translated the dream of placing the fortress of
Islam onto the global atlas with his unprecedented vision and
insight. They also paid homage to the Poet-Philosopher, Allama
Iqbal, who conceived the magnificent idea of a separate
homeland for the Muslims of South Asia.
PT's Coverage
We bring to PT's valued readers extracts from the stories,
which have been filed by our news-writers, Ali Mumtaz [UK],
Kashan Shaukat [China], Khalida Mazhar [USA], Asad Ahmed
[France], Maidaline Hersiger [Germany], Ahmet Azizrov
[Russia], Mujahid bin Syed [Saudi Arabia], Mujadid Sheikh
[UAE], Lyla Sheerazi [Iran] and ABM Nafeezur Rehman
[Bangladesh] with our special contributor Tariq Saeedi
[Turkmenistan], received by PT's foreign desk till Tuesday
evening. Stories on the subject from other realms of the world
shall be published by PT, the moment the info lands on its
desktops.
United Kingdom
Pakistan's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Dr Maleeha
Lodhi unfurled the national flag at a simple but impressive
flag-hoisting ceremony held at the High Commission to
celebrate the 64th Pakistan Day here Tuesday.
The flag-hoisting ceremony, held at the lawns of Pakistan's
High Commission Tuesday morning, began with the recitation of
the Holy Quran.
The National anthem was played on the occasion which was
attended by a large number of community members and civilian
and military officials of the High Commission.
Flag-hoisting ceremonies were also held at the four Consulates
of Pakistan's High Commission at Manchester, Birmingham,
Glasgow and Bradford to mark the National Day on Mar 23.
Dr Maleeha Lodhi Speaks
Dr Maleeha Lodhi separately read out Pakistan's Day messages
of President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Mir
Zafarullah Khan Jamali on the occasion.
President Musharraf in his message urged the nation to remain
steadfast and united for realizing the ideals and aspirations
for which Muslims created a separate homeland in the
Sub-Continent. He urged the nation to follow Unity, Faith and
Discipline to make Pakistan an impregnable citadel of
democracy, peace and progress.
Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali extolled the pivotal
role of the Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali
Jinnah in carving out a separate country for the Muslims and
called upon the nation to place national unity and integrity
above everything else.
Special prayers were offered on the occasion for the
prosperity and welfare of the country.
Dr. Maleeha went round to meet members of the community and
listened to their problems with attention and patience. She
has already taken many steps to streamline the consular
services and special surgeries have already been started to
provide these services at the areas of community
concentration.
A special pamphlet titled "Pakistan" was launched on the
occaison which contained all the relevant information about
Pakistan, its economy, trade, Visa and passport applications,
National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis and Pakistan
Origin Card. This contains very useful general information
which can also be accessed on its web
http://www.pakmission-uk.gov.pk
India
Pakistan Day was celebrated with traditional enthusiasm and
fervor at Pakistan High Commission here, renewing the pledge
to work with complete dedication and commitment for the
development and progress of the country.
The salient feature of the day's celebrations was
flag-hoisting ceremony, which was performed by Pakistan High
Commissioner to India, Aziz Ahmad Khan on the occasion.
Earlier, Pakistan Day messages of President General Pervez
Musharraf and Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali were
read out by Minister (Press) Kamran Ali Khan and Counselor
Moazzam A Khan respectively with emphasis on remaining
steadfast and united to the ideals and aspirations for which
the country was created.
Aziz Ahmad Khan
Speaking on the occasion, Aziz Ahmad Khan said the present
government steered the country out of the woods, putting
national economy on the trajectory of fast growth.
Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves, which could hardly cater
to the imports of just one week a few years ago, have now
surpassed the benchmark of $ 12 billion with swift headway in
other sectors within short span of four years, he said.
Highlighting the unparalleled sacrifices, rendered by the
Muslims of sub-continent to achieve a separate and independent
homeland, he said, "we should renew our pledge to work for the
prosperity and progress of this beloved country with selfless
dedication and unflinching commitment in the light of golden
principles of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to come up to
the expectations of architects of this country."
Lauding the devotion and hard work of officials at the High
Commission notwithstanding various difficulties particularly
meager staff strength, Aziz Khan exhorted them to further
shoulder their obligations being representatives of Pakistan
in an effective fashion.
Later school children presented national songs and tableau
besides highlighting the importance of the day in their
speeches at the ceremony.
China
Pakistani community in Beijing celebrated the Pakistan Day on
Tuesday, renewing the pledge to work for progress and
prosperity of the country.
In this connection, a ceremony was held at Pakistan Embassy,
which was marked by hoisting of the national flag and
presentation of national song by the students.
Ambassador Riaz Muhammad Khan read out the Pakistan Day
messages of President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime
Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali.
France
The Pakistan Day was celebrated with traditional zeal and
fervor at the Embassy of Pakistan here today, to mark the 64th
anniversary of the Pakistan Resolution passed by the Muslims
for a separate homeland, at Iqbal Park, Lahore on 23rd March
1940.
The Ambassador of Pakistan in France Anees-ud-din Ahmed
hoisted the Pakistan Flag in the Embassy compound, this
morning, while National anthem was being played in the
background. The members of the Pakistani Community and the
officials of the Embassy largely attended the Flag Hoisting
Ceremony. The ceremony started with the recitation of versus
from the Holy Quran.
The Ambassador read out the messages of the President and the
Prime Minister of Pakistan issued on the occasion. In his
message the President Pervez Musharraf, urged upon all
Pakistanis to remain steadfast and united to achieve the
ideals and aspirations for which the country was created. The
Prime Minister Mir Zafar Ullah Jamali, in his message called
upon the people of Pakistan to place national unity and
integrity above everything else and renew their covenant to
make Pakistan an enlightened and a modern Islamic welfare
State.
Ambassador's Address
The Ambassador in his brief address reminded the gathering of
the higher objectives for which Pakistan was created. He
stressed upon the members of the Pakistani Community to
display an exemplary conduct in their daily life, to create a
good impression of their country on the French people.
The Minister for Health in the Punjab Government Mushtaq Kiani,
who was in Paris also attended the function. While addressing
the gathering, he highlighted the achievements of the
provincial government and lauded the efforts of the President
in bringing about a silent revolution through strengthening
the local government institutions in the country.
The political and economic stability, he mentioned, was a
direct result of the fulfillment of commitments by the
President who took over the country in difficult times. He
also referred to the contribution of the government led by the
Prime Minister in helping to develop political consensus among
various political parties on national issues. This was
followed by refreshments for all those who attended the
ceremony.
Reception
In the evening the Ambassador of Pakistan hosted a reception
to mark the occasion. The reception was largely attended by
French people from all walks of life. The Embassy premises
were tastefully decorated with different Pakistani goods and
traditional handicrafts to present an image of Pakistani
Culture and traditions. The folk music of all the four
provinces was played in the background. In one of the corners
video documentaries were screened showing the historical
places and the beauty of the Northern Areas of Pakistan. In
another corner brochures, pamphlets and booklets about
Pakistan were displayed for the guests. Traditional dishes and
sweets of Pakistan were served at the reception.
The reception was also attended by the members of the
diplomatic community in Paris and prominent Pakistanis who had
earned a place among the French society. A large number of
French and Foreign journalists representing leading newspapers
and television networks were also present on the reception.
Germany
To celebrate sixty fourth anniversary of Pakistan Day, a
flag-hoisting ceremony was held here Tuesday at the Embassy
premises.
Pakistan's Ambassador to Germany Asif Ezdi hoisted the
national flag in the presence of a large gathering of
Pakistanis residing in Berlin and its suburbs.
The Ambassador also read out Pakistan Day messages of the
President and Prime Minister to the attentive audience.
Russia
The 64th National Day was celebrated in Moscow with patriotic
zeal and fervour.
A flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Embassy premises and
attended by a large number of Pakistanis residing in Russia
including the leading businessmen and students.
Leading Russian language newspaper, Kommersant Daily and Radio
Voice of Russia carried the message of the Ambassador of
Pakistan, highlighting the importance of this auspicious
occasion and dwelt on the status of Pakistan-Russia relations.
He said that after the visit of President Pervez Musharraf to
Russia last year, the relations between the two countries were
progressing in many areas.
He said seven high-level visits took place during the
preceding year.
Saudi Arabia
The Pakistani Overseas community in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia Tuesday celebrated the National Day of Pakistan with
simplicity.
The start of the day was marked with the flag hoisting
ceremonies held simultaneously at the Embassy of Pakistan
Riyadh and the Consulate General here at 0800 hours.
Admiral (Retd) Abdul Aziz Mirza, Ambassador of Pakistan to the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia unfurled the national flag, at a
largely attended ceremony held in the chancery building in
Riyadh. Messages of the President and the Prime Minister were
read out. School children song national songs and presented
tableau in Riyadh.
Significance of the Day
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Abdul Aziz Mirza
highlighted the significance of the day and the commitment of
the people of Pakistan within and outside Pakistan to follow
the principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline as laid down by
Founder of Pakistan Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
At Jeddah, the day began by a traditional flag hoisting
ceremony held at the premises of the Consulate General.
The ceremony started with recitation from Holy Quran and
presentation of national anthem. Masood Akhtar Consul General
performed the national flag hoisting ceremony. Messages of the
President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Mir
Zafarullah Khan Jamali were read out.
In his address to the community members, Masood Akhtar
highlighted the importance of the day and urged the community
members to be united in their ranks. He urged that linguistic,
regional, racial and sectarian differences be ignored and the
spirit of Islam as a pivotal point be strengthened. Later, the
audience joined in special prayers for the unity, integrity
and progress of the country.
Both the functions at Embassy and Consulate, a large number of
the Pakistani community, officials of the Embassy and
Consulate, students and staff of Pakistan International
Schools and Pakistan International Airlines attended.
United Arab Emirates
Pakistani community on Tuesday celebrated Pakistan National
Day in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with patriotic fervour
and enthusiasm.
Pakistan's Ambassador to UAE, Air Marshal (Retd), Syed Qaiser
Hussain raised national flag in the presence of a large number
of Pakistani community members, local elite and embassy
officials.
As the national flag was unfurled by the Ambassador, the
participants sang national anthem of Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, the Ambassador paid glowing tributes
to the Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah
and poet of the East, Allama Iqbal.
He called upon the community members to forge unity in their
ranks and work hard for attainment of the aims and objectives
for which Pakistan was created.
He said Pakistan and UAE enjoy exemplary brotherly relations,
which will be further strengthened in the time to come. He
said the recent visit to Pakistan by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed
Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for
Foreign Affairs will further cement relations between the two
countries.
Extradition Treaty
The Ambassador noted that the signing of Extradition Treaty
and protocol on Cultural and Media Cooperation between the two
countries will give further impetus to the cooperation in
various fields.
A separate flag-hoisting ceremony was also held at the
premises of the Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai where
Amanullah Larik, the Consul General of Pakistan unfurled the
national flag.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Syed Qaiser Hussain hosted a grand
reception to celebrate the 65th National Day which was
attended by a large number of diplomats, local elite, high
ranking UAE officials and prominent Pakistanis. Lt. Gen. Dr.
Mohammed Saeed Al-Badi, UAE Minister of Interior, was the
chief guest on the occasion.
Pakistani children presented colourful folk and regional
dances to depict Pakistani culture. The UAE print and
electronic media Tuesday accorded extensive coverage to the
national day. The two leading English dailies, Khaleej Times
and Gulf News brought out voluminous colour supplements to
mark the Day.
The largest circulated Arabic Paper Al-Ittihad also published
a colourful Pakistan Day supplement highlighting Pakistan's
progress and tourism potential.
Arabic Paper Al-Fajr and English daily Gulf Today carried
one-page special report on Pakistan. Besides, Arabic daily
Akhbar Al Arab published an article to mark the occasion. Abu
Dhabi Radio broadcast special programmes on Pakistan.
Iran
Pakistani Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour and
enthusiasm here Tuesday.
In a ceremony held at Embassy's premises, Pakistan Ambassador
Iqbal Ahmad Khan hoisted the national flag to the
accompaniment of national anthem.
Addressing the ceremony attended by members of Pakistan
community, the Ambassador paid homage to the founder of
Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jannah and the leaders of
Pakistan movement.
He said March 23 had a special significance in our history as
on this day 64 years ago the Muslims of the sub-contingent
expressed their political will to have a homeland of their own
and achieved an independent and sovereign state under the
leadership of Quaid-e-Azam in a short span of time.
The Ambassador said President Pervez Musharraf and Prime
Minister Mir
Zafarullah Khan Jamali were committed to the promotion of the
welfare of
the people.
They are determined to make Pakistan a strong and prosperous
by ensuring good governance and to make it a modern,
democratic, progressive and Islamic welfare state as
envisioned by the founding father.
Towards this end, the government has laid the foundations for
sustainable development and democracy in Pakistan. It has
empowered the people by devolving decision-making to the
grassroots, improved human rights and empowered women.
The economic field has witnessed impressive gains, GDP growth
is expected to rise to 6 per cent. Foreign exchange reserves
hit the $ 12 billion mark. He said country's foreign debt has
come down significantly. The confidence in Pakistan's economy
is seen in the meteoric rise of the stock market, he added.
Bangladesh
An impressive but simple flag hoisting ceremony was held this
morning at the High Commission for Pakistan, Dhaka to mark the
64th anniversary of Pakistan Resolution, says a message
received here.
Addressing the function, the High Commissioner highlighted the
significance of Pakistan day, reminisced the epic struggle for
freedom and stressed the need to pace up national development.
Manzar Shafiq, High Commissioner raised Pakistan's flag to the
tune of the national anthem. He paid glowing tributes to the
father of the nation for his foresight and determination to
guide the freedom struggle to a total success.
"This day demands from us not only to uphold the golden
principles of faith, unity and discipline laid down by the
founder of Pakistan for us but to implement those in letter
and spirit," the High Commissioner added.
He said that Quaid-e-Azam envisioned Pakistan as a moderate,
progressive, democratic and an Islamic welfare state.
"The Quaid resolved to create a society free from foreign
domination, where it will be possible for each of us to
realize the great ideals of human progress, of social justice,
of equality and fraternity," Manzar Shafiq added.
The High Commissioner stressed upon the Pakistani community
working in Bangladesh to create a good and lasting image of a
disciplined, hardworking and honest nation.
The High Commissioner read out Pakistan Day messages of
President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Mir
Zafarullah Khan Jamali on this occasion.
The ceremony started with recitation from the Holy Quran by
Shah Zaman Khan Press Counsellor. Rafiuzzaman Siddiqui,
Counsellor, highlighted the significance of 23rd March. About
14 dailies and weeklies have brought out special supplements
to mark the National Day of Pakistan.
A grand reception will be held this evening at the sprawling
garden of Pakistan chancery in connection with Pakistan Day. A
large number of Ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats,
journalists, senior civil and military officials are expected
to attend the reception.
Turkmenistan
Pakistan embassy in Turkmenistan organized a flag hoisting
ceremony in the embassy compound to mark the Pakistan Day. A
reception was hosted in the evening.
After the flag hoisting ceremony, Asif Memon, Pakistan Charge
d’Affaires in Ashgabat, read the messages of President Pervez
Musharraf and Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali.
Message of President Musharraf urged the nation to remain
united in the facing of multidimensional threats. “On this
occasion I would like to urge all Pakistanis to remain
steadfast and united to achieve the ideals and aspirations for
which our country was created.”
Prime Minister Jamali also stressed on the nation to keep in
sight the ultimate goals. “Let me remind you, my countrymen,
that in the present environment it is all the more imperative
for us to place national unity and integrity above everything
else.”
In the evening Pakistan embassy hosted a well-attended
reception in Sheraton Ak-Altyn Plaza. Diplomatic corps, state
officials and prominent citizens were present in large
numbers.
Chairman of Turkmen parliament, Ovezgeldy Atayev, represented
the government of Turkmenistan. In his speech during the
reception, Asif Memon, Charge d’Affaires of Pakistan, said,
“The government of Pakistan under the leadership of Prime
Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali is engaged in alleviating
poverty, boosting economy and attracting foreign investment to
build an economically strong and vibrant Pakistan. At the same
time, efforts are being made to make the region into one
strong economic bloc.”
He also pointed out that the construction of Gawadar port
would provide the shortest possible route to warm waters for
the Central Asian countries including Turkmenistan. Pakistani
children sang Jeeway Jeeway Pakistan amid great applause and
cheers by the guests.
National media of Turkmenistan gave wide coverage to Pakistan
Day celebrations. Turkmen newspapers ran special articles
about the history of Pakistan. Turkmen television presented a
programme about Pakistan that included three Pakistani songs
and a 20-minutes documentary about tourist attractions in
Pakistan.
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