The Pakistani community in the Kingdom celebrated Saturday the 64th Independence Day of their country with simplicity, zeal and fervor. The day started with flag hoisting ceremonies held simultaneously at the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh and in the Consulate General of Pakistan, Jeddah. Umar Khan Alisherzai, Pakistani Ambassador, unfurled the national flag, at a well-attended ceremony held in the embassy building. Messages of the President and the Prime Minister were read out. “August 14,” the ambassador said, “reminds us of the struggle and sacrifices of our forefathers for a separate homeland. Now it is our responsibility to make it enlightened and a strong welfare state.” The ambassador said that Pakistan has been put on the path of democracy and was rapidly progressing. He said that Pakistan's contribution to peace and security in the world was tremendous and the “world has appreciated our sacrifices”. The ambassador said that it was unfortunate that the country was hit by floods that have killed thousands of people and have destroyed property, agriculture and communications. He said that the government alone cannot cope with this situation and it needed the full support of overseas Pakistanis. Consul General Abdul Salik Khan hoisted the national flag at a function in Jeddah which was attended by members of the Pakistani community and officials of the consulate.
