I feel extremely delighted to extend my deepest felicitations to all my fellow countrymen residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on this auspicious occasion of the Independence Day of Pakistan. August 14 every year reminds us of the great struggle set out by the Muslims of the South Asian sub-continent under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, to carve out a country of their own. Since its creation, Pakistan has been experiencing multifarious challenges on many fronts. However, the need for “unity” today is more glaring than it was at any other juncture of Pakistan's history. The collective well-being of the whole nation must take precedence over personal interests in every Pakistani's mind-set; that is the only plausible way forward. As was the case last year, this year also, we are commemorating the Independence Day in the holy month of Ramadan – the very month which witnessed the birth of Pakistan. In this month of divine blessings, I pray to Almighty Allah for Pakistan's continued strength, prosperity and development. I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Pakistani community living in the Kingdom and particularly that in the Western Region, which has been supportive of our efforts in making a worthwhile contribution in strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations. With the Grace of Almighty Allah, as always Pakistan and Saudi Arabia continue to enjoy strong and close brotherly relations. Both our countries have been complementing each other's efforts at all regional and international fora, especially in the global fight against terrorism. Former Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf recently visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Their meetings with King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, gave further impetus to our bilateral relations and enhanced understanding on regional and international issues between the two brotherly countries. As I speak, President Asif Ali Zardari is visiting the Kingdom in connection with the extraordinary Islamic Summit being held in Makkah. This shows Government of Pakistan's commitment and President Zardari's personal concern to forge unity and solidarity within the Muslim Ummah. I would like to take this opportunity to express Pakistan's deepest gratitude to King Abdullah for his support in these difficult times. The recent assistance of $100 million to Pakistan by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is yet another manifestation of Saudi Arabia's magnanimity. In the end, I would like to urge all my fellow Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia to work with commitment and devotion toward the economic and social development of the Kingdom and use whatever influence and energies they have to further strengthen and deepen strategic relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan Zindabad Abdul Salik Khan Consul General of Pakistan
