The Pakistani community here celebrated their country's 70th National Day with enthusiasm and a renewed pledge to work for the development and prosperity of the country. Umar Khan Alisherzai, Ambassador of Pakistan, and Consul General Abdul Salik Khan hoisted the national flag at the embassy premises in Riyadh and the CG's residence in Jeddah respectively. In their addresses, Alisherzai and Khan congratulated Pakistanis in the Kingdom and back home and urged them to work together for the development of Pakistan. They also read out messages from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Sayed Yousaf Raza Gilani. President Zardari's message called for unity in the overall development of Pakistan. He also said that the Pakistani nation would uphold the constitution and never allow it to be abrogated, subverted or held in abeyance. “The parliament, the people and all institutions of the state will work in harmony toward this end,” he said. Prime Minister Gilani's message said that “as a nation we should reconnect ourselves to the spirit which characterized the importance of 23rd March 1940 and make a vow to project the Pakistan ideology at every level as a counterweight to the forces of extremism and darkness”. Pakistani nationals, the message said, will unwaveringly strive to make Pakistan a peaceful, prosperous and democratic state. Consul General Khan thanked the overseas Pakistanis, especially the 1.5 million strong community in the Kingdom, for their important role in creating a credible framework for international and domestic economic development. He also thanked King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and his government for providing a cordial atmosphere for the Pakistani community. “It's my wish that all the industrious and enterprising community members continue to serve the Kingdom with full vigor and sincerity and help in enhancing social, economic, and strategic bilateral ties between the Kingdom and Pakistan,” he said.
