Ambassador of Pakistan I take great pleasure in extending the heartiest felicitations to the members of Pakistan community living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and all over the world on the auspicious occasion of the Independence Day of Pakistan. Pakistan came into being on this day, Aug. 14, 1947. We are celebrating the 70th Independence Day of Pakistan today. The idea of Pakistan, a separate homeland for the Muslims of subcontinent where they could lead their lives according to their faith and aspirations, was conceived by the great thinker, philosopher and poet of the East, Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The Muslims under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah were able to turn Allama Iqbal's dream into reality. Pakistan is home to 200 million people today. It is a progressive, moderate and democratic state. It has an active parliament, independent judiciary, free media and a vibrant civil society. Due to wise and visionary economic policies introduced by the present government, the economy of Pakistan has taken off. The economic growth of the country has accelerated with GDP showing the highest growth in the past seven years, per capita income is on the rise, foreign exchange reserves are all times high, inflation has dropped considerably and stock market showing positive trends. The inflow of foreign investment into Pakistan has registered significant increase. The investors' confidence in the economy is manifested in the recently concluded Pak-China Economic Corridor (CPEC) agreement that is poised to bring $46 billion investment into the country. Pakistan enjoys historically excellent relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Our relations are based on the mutual aspirations of the people of the two countries. The people of Pakistan hold the leadership of Saudi Arabia in high esteem. The leadership of Pakistan is also well respected in Saudi Arabia. The presence of 2.6 million Pakistanis in the Kingdom serves as a bridge of friendship between the two countries. They are grateful to Saudi Arabia for its hospitality. They are contributing towards the economic development of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Their contribution is greatly valued by the two governments. I would urge my countrymen in Saudi Arabia to continue working in their respective professions with commitment, devotion and dedication and respect the laws of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I join my Pakistani brethren in praying that Pakistan-Saudi relations continue to grow from strength to strength for the benefit of our two peoples. Long Live Pakistan Long Live Saudi Arabia Long Live Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Friendship
