MT Desk:  A flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Pakistan High Commission, Dhaka this morning to mark the Nation’s 76th Independence Day Anniversary. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Mr. Imran Ahmed Siddiqui hoisted the national flag at the Chancery to the tune of the national anthem. The ceremony was attended by the members Pakistan community in Bangladesh, local media persons, and staff of the High Commission. Messages of the President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister were read out on the occasion. 

In their messages, the leadership of Pakistan congratulated the nation on this auspicious occasion and paid rich tributes to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s founding fathers. They renewed commitment to transform Pakistan as envisioned by the Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. They urged the countrymen to stand united and work for the progress and development of Pakistan. The Pakistani leadership in their messages also expressed solidarity with the oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), who are facing Indian atrocities for decades. They reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, moral and diplomatic support for the Kashmiris just struggle.

The High Commissioner, while felicitating the Pakistani community in Bangladesh and Bhutan on this auspicious occasion highlighted the significance of the national day.  Reiterating the messages of the leadership, he emphasized that this day served as a reminder to all Pakistanis of the momentous struggle undertaken by our forefathers, aiming to establish a sovereign homeland where we could enjoy religious, cultural, and social freedoms in our lives.

Honoring the sacrifices made by our forefathers, Mr. Siddiqui underlined the significance of the vision of Poet-Philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal and the principles of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, who envisioned Pakistan as a progressive and moderate welfare state.

A photographic exhibition of rare photographs of the Founding Father and eminent leaders of the Pakistan movement was also organized on the occasion with the aim to provide an opportunity for the participants to reflect on the historic struggle for independence.

Special prayers were offered for the well-being of Pakistan, its people, and the emancipation of people of IIOJK from Indian occupation.