Independence Day Celebrations at Pakistan Embassy
Flag-hoisting ceremony at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington. Ambassador Husain Haqqani hoists the national flag as officials of the Embassy and members of the community look on
Washington , DC: Recalling the struggle and sacrifices of the Founding Fathers the Pakistani-American community in Washington celebrated Pakistan’s 62 nd Independence Day with traditional fervor and enthusiasm. They renewed their commitment to make Pakistan a strong, democratic, forward-looking and prosperous country.
Mr. Husain Haqqani, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the USA, hoisted the national flag at a simple but impressive ceremony at the Embassy. The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Qu,ran. National Anthem was played on the occasion. Children clad in traditional Pakistani dresses sang famous national and folk songs. Exhibitions of products depicting the rich cultural heritage of the federating units were also displayed on the occasion.
Officials of the Embassy, their families, members of the community and media participated in the ceremony. Ambassador Husain Haqqani also read out Independence Day messages of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani on the occasion.
President Zardari in his message said: “As we celebrate the Independence Day today we should also rededicate ourselves to uphold the principles for which Pakistan was created. At the same time we should also pause and ponder whether we have upheld those principles and values which we vow every year to uphold. While there is much to rejoice and celebrate there also are areas and issues about which we must be concerned. The mindset that increasingly preaches extremism, violence and militancy in the name of religion and which has been on the rise in the country is a direct negation of the values for which this country was created. This is an area of great concern to all of us. Let us on this day rededicate ourselves to the principles of democracy and human rights. To banishing dictatorship, militancy and extremism and to provide economic opportunities for all in the country and to peace in the region.”
Prime Minister Gillani in his message said: “This year, the Independence Day celebration is still of greater significance as we have been able to rekindle the light of democracy in Pakistan in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the nation. The process of revival of democracy could not have successfully completed without the active participation of the people. On this day of rejoicing, let us pay homage to our leaders of the Independence Movement who struggled with great courage and perseverance to win us a country of our own. Because of their sacrifices, today we are enjoying the fruits of freedom. It is surely an occasion for immense gratitude. It is the day for renewing our pledge to the country.”
Ambassador Haqqani while addressing the community said: “On this day, let us pledge to work together for the economic uplift of our country and the emancipation of its people. The Pakistani community in the United States has an important role to play in this regard. The Embassy lauds the efforts of the community to foster better and stronger Pakistan-US relations and is committed to working with the community to achieve this objective.”
Similar Independence Day ceremonies were held at Consulate Generals of Pakistan in New York, Houston, Los Angeles and Chicago.
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