Pakistan Day marked by flag hoisting at Pakistan High Commission London
High Commissioner condemns London terrorist attack
The Pakistan Day was marked with flag hoisting ceremony at the Pakistan High Commission London today.
Pir Sadruddin Rashidi, Federeal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Mr Ashtar Ausaf Ali, Attorney General of Pakistan, parliamentary delegation from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, delegation of Pakistan Peace Collective, Mayors, Councillors, community leaders, a large number of Pakistani diaspora and representatives of media attended the ceremony.
H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, hoisted the national flag and the messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out.
On this occasion, one minute silence was observed as an expression of solidarity with the UK in wake of yesterday’s terrorist attack in London. The High Commissioner condemned the dastardly act of terrorism and said Pakistan was standing shoulder to shoulder with the government and people of the UK. In view of this tragic incident, the ceremony was toned down and the traditional musical programme on this occasion was cancelled.
The High Commissioner, in his address to the community, shed light on the importance of Pakistan Day as the turning point in our national history. He paid glowing tributes to the Quaid-i-Azam and other founding fathers, who, through their unwavering resolve and visionary leadership brought the Muslims of the sub-continent at one platform and created a separate homeland for them.
Giving a general review of the situation in Pakistan, the High Commissioner said:
“Pakistan is moving forward and the narrative of Pakistan is changing fast. Under the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the economy is growing at the rate of 5.2%; Pakistan has entered the club of Emerging Markets; and the foreign investors are showing keen interest in Pakistan. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is a game changer with $54 billion investment portfolio, that would not only benefit Pakistan but would bring about regional economic integration.
“Security of Pakistan has significantly improved, and I pay tribute to our government, civil and armed law enforcement agencies, and the resilient people of Pakistan to successfully face the challenge of terrorism.”
On Pakistan-UK relations, the High Commissioner underscored the importance of deep rooted bilateral ties, and informed that last year our exports to the UK registered an 8% growth; which according to him is another manifestation of our mutually beneficial relations.
The High Commissioner also shared the details of the planned celebrations for the 70th Independence Anniversary of Pakistan. He invited the community to participate in celebrations as proud Pakistanis. The High Commissioner also commended the role of the community in development and progress of Pakistan and the UK.
Minister Pir Sadruddin Rashidi, in his remarks on the occasion, shared the details of his UK visit with the community and appreciated the consular services being provided at the High Commission and the Consulates of Pakistan. On behalf of the government, he assured the community of addressing their issues on priority. The Minister also acknowledged the positive role of the diaspora.
The guests were served with traditional Pakistani brunch.
Similar events were held at other four Consulates of Pakistan in Birmingham,Bradford, Glasgow and Manchester.
