The Pakistani community in the Kingdom Monday celebrated its National Day with simplicity, zeal and fervor. The day started with flag raising ceremonies held simultaneously at the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh and at the residence of the Consul General in Jeddah. The Acting Ambassador of Pakistan, Sarfaraz A. Khanzada, unfurled the national flag at a well-attended ceremony held in the embassy building in Riyadh. Messages of the President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani were read out on the occasion. President Zardari appealed to the nation to show a spirit of tolerance and to participate in the efforts of national reconciliation and the healing of wounds. “For a long time, the rule of law has been trampled under the doctrine of necessity and sometimes under the theory of successful revolution. The restoration of the deposed judges has raised people's expectations that they will witness an end to this cycle,” he said. Prime Minister Gilani said, “While celebrating this memorable achievement, we must also remember the unprecedented sacrifices of our forefathers for a strong, independent Islamic welfare state that ensures social justice and equal opportunities to all its citizens irrespective of their caste, color and creed.” He said we shall continue to fight extremism, sectarianism and terrorism with all the strength at our command and strive to make Pakistan a stronger nation. In Riyadh, Khanzada said Pakistan has been put on the path of democracy and “as per the president's message, let us dedicate ourselves to the upholding of the judiciary for the future of our country depends on the rule of law.” In Jeddah, Consul General Zaigham Uddin Azam unfurled the national flag. The national anthem was also played at his residence. Earlier, verses from the Holy Qur'an were recited. Members of Pakistani community, especially women and children, and officials of the consulate, Pakistan International School and Haj Directorate, attended the function in large numbers. Messages of President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani were read out by Vice Consul Murad Ali. In his address to the gathering at his residence, the Consul General said that “the national day reminds us of the commitment our forefathers made to make Pakistan a strong, prosperous and progressive country”. He said that as ambassadors of the country, all expatriates have to keep the Pakistani flag flying high. He urged the Pakistani community to be united and disciplined and work hard for the development of both the Kingdom and Pakistan. He said they should avoid money laundering and use regular banking channels for their remittances to Pakistan. All the Pakistanis working in the Kingdom should also abide by the rules and regulations of the Kingdom which has provided a safe environment for them to work in, he added. National songs were also played on the occasion. The well-known singer Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, who was on a visit to the Kingdom, attended the function and sang a national song.
