Muhammad Naeem Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan, raises his country's flag in a well attended function at the Embassy of Pakistan, Riyadh, Friday. —Courtesy photoRIYADH - Muhammad Naeem Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, said that his country has special love and reverence for Saudi Arabia, and a profound respect for King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The ambassador was speaking at the flag-raising ceremony marking Pakistan's National Day at the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh on Friday. The Pakistani community living in the Kingdom celebrated the National Day with zeal and fervor. The day started with flag-raising ceremonies held simultaneously at the Embassy of Pakistan, Riyadh and at the residence of the Consul General in Jeddah. The ambassador unfurled the national flag at a well attended ceremony held at the Riyadh Embassy. He read out the messages of the president and the prime minister of Pakistan. He said that Pakistan has come a long way as an independent and strong Islamic state. “With its democratic government, independent judiciary, thriving and free media, and vibrant and literate civil society, Pakistan is an important member of the world community today,” he said. “Our large pool of trained and experienced engineers, bankers, lawyers and other professionals with substantial experience of an international standard is an asset for Pakistan.” Paying rich tribute to the leadership of the Kingdom, he said: “We have a special love and reverence for Saudi Arabia, the holy land. The government and the people of Pakistan have deep love and profound respect for King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Crown Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, the royal family, the government and the people of Saudi Arabia.” The ambassador also lauded the role of expatriate Pakistanis. “We take pride in the contributions made by the Pakistan community in the Kingdom towards its progress and prosperity,” he said. “It has acted as a strong bridge between the two countries. I am confident that the Pakistani community will continue to play its role in further cementing bonds of fraternity and friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.”
