RIYADH — The Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh wore a festive look in celebration of Pakistan's 75th National Day Monday. The celebration was led by Pakistan Ambassador Manzoor Ul Haq at the chancery hall of the embassy. He was accompanied by his wife, Nighat Manzoor, and other senior embassy officials and their respective spouses. Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal Bin Bandar was the chief guest, who was warmly received by Haq and deputy head of the mission Khayam Akbar. Other invited guests included ambassadors, deputy head of the mission, defense attaché and commercial counselor and their spouses from some over 40 foreign missions here, including other Saudi high government officials and dignitaries. The event commenced with the national anthem of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia followed with the ceremonial cake cutting, jointly led by Prince Faisal and Haq. Haq also welcomed on stage the outgoing Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Ghadeer, who has been conferred with Nishan-e-Quaid-e-Azam by the President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain. "Ambassador Al-Ghadeer remains a great friend of Pakistan and shall be remembered for working hard toward improving and strengthening the fraternal bonds between our two countries," said Haq. Haq also invited on the stage three Pakistani young student achievers who recently made history. "We are very proud at the moment when our children are creating history. Saadullah becomes the youngest medical doctor in the world by accomplishing MBBS degree at the age of eighteen and a half years only. Hamza Hamid Hussain and Laiba Arshad Khan have topped in World ranking for IGCSE examinations in Physics and English respectively." Speaking to Saudi Gazette, the ambassador said: "Today was the day to rejoice as today was the Golden Jubilee of our National Day. It is very satisfying and reassuring to note that things under this present regime are improving for better back home. We are making strides in improving our economy and our brave armed forces are fighting to bring about safety and security in the country." Haq thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for being a great and trusted friend of Pakistan. "I am sure under his rule relations between our two brotherly countries would reach new heights." Earlier in the morning a traditional flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Embassy of Pakistan which was attended by a large number of Pakistanis from Riyadh and its adjoining areas. This event was conducted by Head of Chancery Abbas Qureshi and led by Haq. Messages on this occasion from the President of Pakistan and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif were also read out. — SG
