(R) Ambassador Muhammad Naeem Khan unfurls the country's national flag at the embassy building in Riyadh Saturday morning to commemorate the Pakistan Day. (L) Consul General Aftab A. Khokher hoists the national flag at his official residence in Jeddah. — Courtesy photo JEDDAH — The Pakistani community in the Kingdom on Saturday celebrated Pakistan Day with simplicity, zeal and fervor. The day is marked on March 23 every year to commemorate the Lahore Resolution, which was adopted in 1940 demanding a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. The day started with flag hoisting ceremonies held simultaneously at the Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh and at the residence of the Consul General in Jeddah. Ambassador Muhammad Naeem Khan unfurled the national flag at a well-attended ceremony held in the embassy building in Riyadh. Messages from the president and the prime minister were read out. Speaking on the occasion, Khan said, “Pakistan is an important member of the world community today. Pakistan's contribution to the maintenance of peace and security in the world can hardly be matched by any other state. As a front line state in the fight against terror, we have paid a heavy price in terms of loss of precious lives and billions of dollars to the economy.” He said thousands of “our innocent people and valiant soldiers have laid down their lives for the noble cause. But this has only made us more determined and resolute. Pakistan is also one of the largest contributors to the United Nations' Peacekeeping Force for maintenance of peace and security around the globe.” Khan also said Pakistan enjoys a special relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, based on the solid foundations of Islamic identity, common historical experiences and shared perceptions on all national and international issues. As the land of the two holy mosques, Saudi Arabia is looked at with deep love by the people of Pakistan. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, and the entire royal family are held in high esteem in Pakistan. In Jeddah, Consul General Aftab Ahmad Khokher performed the national flag hoisting ceremony at his residence in Al-Rowdah district, Jeddah. Earlier, the function started with recitation of the Holy Qur'an. The consulate staff and members of the Pakistani community, including women and children, in large numbers attended the function. In his address to the gathering, Khokher said, “Seventy three years ago, the Muslims of South Asia resolved to establish an independent state where they could lead their lives in accordance with the Islamic ideals of freedom, sovereignty, democracy, equality, justice, tolerance and non-discrimination.” He stated that everyone acknowledges the valuable contribution of the vibrant and dynamic Pakistan community in Saudi Arabia. “Our community has served both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia with characteristic fervor, loyalty, commitment, diligence and dedication. It is, in fact, the most unmistakable link between our two countries.” National songs were also played on the occasion.
