In a flag-raising ceremony at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, DC, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, extended his heartfelt congratulations to all Pakistanis living in the United States and around the globe
US Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) was among many Americans sending well-wishes to Pakistan on this special day
The Pakistan Embassy in Paris celebrated the historic day with a flag-raising ceremony at its legation in the heart of the French capital. Hosted by Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, a wide cross-section of the Pakistani diaspora attended the event
Global Celebrations Honor Pakistan National Day
By Elaine Pasquini
Washington: “Eighty-five years ago, on March 23, 1940, our forefathers laid the foundation for an independent homeland, envisioning a nation where Muslims could live with dignity and freedom, in harmony with their cultural and religious identity,” Shehbaz Sharif, prime minister of Pakistan, said in a statement commemorating this defining moment in Pakistani history and also noting the “enduring spirit of egalitarianism, resilience and hope that gave birth to Pakistan.”
“The best tribute we can offer to our Founding Fathers is to carry forward their vision with steadfast will, tireless effort and a shared national purpose – to build a stronger, more prosperous and progressive Pakistan,” he said.
Pakistan Day marks the historic Lahore Resolution of March 23, 1940, “a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for the country's independence,” the prime minister said. “On this day, the nation pays tribute to the visionary leaders who united for a separate homeland, ensuring the rights and identity of Muslims in the subcontinent.”
Celebrations across Pakistan with flag-hoisting ceremonies, military parades, and patriotic events, remind everyone of the “sacrifices made for freedom,” Prime Minister Sharif stated. “This day serves as a symbol of unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Pakistan.”
In a flag-raising ceremony at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, DC, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, extended his heartfelt congratulations to all Pakistanis living in the United States and around the globe. “Pakistan is a miracle of history,” he said. “Under the visionary leadership of Quaid-i-Azam, the Muslims of the subcontinent achieved an independent homeland and secured a place for themselves.”
“For Pakistanis living in the United States, Pakistan remains the foundation of their identity – today and in the future,” he averred. “Let us all contribute not only towards Pakistan’s development but also to strengthening relations between our two great nations – Pakistan and the United States. Each of us should serve as a bridge between our two countries, a role that is crucial for both the present and the future.”
US Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) was among many Americans sending well-wishes to Pakistan on this special day.
“I’m pleased to wish all of you a very happy Pakistan Day,” the senator said in a video message. “Throughout my life, I’ve experienced the generosity and the warmth of the Pakistani people, and throughout the United States the Pakistani-American community has made enormous contributions to our country in every field of endeavor. I look forward to doing my part to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship between the peoples of our two great countries.”
The Pakistan Embassy in Paris celebrated the historic day with a flag-raising ceremony at its legation in the heart of the French capital. Hosted by Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, a wide cross-section of the Pakistani diaspora attended the event. In addition to enjoying a mutually beneficial trade relationship, France and Pakistan share a long-time partnership in the field of archeology, dating to 1958 when the French Archeological Mission began work in the Indus Basin.
In a statement, Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev expressed his country’s appreciation for Pakistan’s “hospitality, natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.” He went on to recognize that “Pakistan has enormous potential in all spheres of life, and the country’s greatest asset is its hard-working and open-hearted people.”
At a special reception honoring Pakistan National Day, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong underscored China’s commitment to the China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and recognized the special friendship between the two neighbors.
In an X post, Türkiye, along with many countries around the world that relayed their sincere greetings to the Pakistani nation, conveyed a congratulatory message to “friendly and brotherly Pakistan on its National Day.”
Latvia, in a statement said it “looks forward to strengthening dialogue and cooperation.”
Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Montenegro, Lithuania and the UAE, among other nations, also sent well wishes and congratulatory greetings to Pakistan on this special day.
In a statement, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari noted that while “the road ahead is challenging,” it is “not impossible,” and “the same spirit that led to the creation of Pakistan can propel us toward a brighter tomorrow.”
“The true strength of Pakistan lies in its people – their resilience, hard work and patriotism have carried this nation through the toughest of times,” he said. “I urge every Pakistani to rise above differences, reject division and negativity, and work together to build a prosperous, inclusive and just Pakistan.”
(Elaine Pasquini is a freelance journalist. Her reports appear in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and Nuze.Ink.)
