JEDDAH: The 71st Pakistan National Day was celebrated Wednesday with zest and zeal by the Pakistani community with flag hoisting ceremonies at the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh and at the Consulate General in Jeddah. On the occasion, a message from Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani was read in which they congratulated the Pakistani nation and talked about the importance of the National Day and its historical significance under the inspiring leadership of Quaid-E-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah. They also stressed the need for dedication and devotion in service to the country. In Riyadh, Charge d' Affairs, Ayaz Muhammad Khan said that Pakistan has been put on the path of democracy and was rapidly progressing. He said that relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are unique, adding that being the holy land, Pakistanis have special love and reverence for Saudi Arabia. In Jeddah, Consul General Abdul Salik Khan said that Pakistani expatriates are very important people who are contributing to the development of their country. “They are concerned more about Pakistan's stability than those who are living in the country. I want the Pakistani expatriate community in groups or even individually to invest in Pakistan. It isn't necessary to invest in millions; investment can be started on a small scale. In this way they can play an important role in the development and progress of the country. Expatriates and overseas Pakistanis have the capability to lead the country in development and progress,” he said. He also asked Pakistani expatriates to continue contributing with characteristic zeal and devotion to the social and economic development of Saudi Arabia and to work hard to enrich the brotherly relations with the Kingdom.
