The Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations and the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York jointly hosted a flag hoisting ceremony to celebrate the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan. Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the U.N., hoisted the flag to the beat of national anthem at a simple, yet elegant ceremony held at the chancery’s building today. Consul General Aamer Ahmad Atozai, Deputy Permanent Representative Usman Jadoon, officers and the staff members of the Pakistan Mission and the Consulate attended the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Munir Akram recollected memories from the time of Pakistan’s establishment, mentioning important events in the nation history. Ambassador Akram said that Pakistan was born with great optimism on this day in 1947. He said that the establishment of a new homeland for Muslims of the sub-continent represented the realization of a dream, which was considered impossible by many pundits of the time.
Paying tribute to the Quaid-i-Azam’s visionary leadership and the sacrifices of Muslims, Ambassador Munir Akram said that without Pakistan, we could have continued to be slaves. He said the current condition of Indian Muslims who are suffering the brunt of Hindutva ideology validates the political sagacity of the Quaid.
The Pakistan UN envoy said that Pakistan was founded on the principle of self-determination, adding that the whole idea of our independence would remain incomplete without Kashmiris realizing their inalienable right to self-determination. He said the word ‘K’ in Pakistan’s name represented Jammu and Kashmir.
Ambassador Munir Akram dilated upon the four-pronged framework to take Pakistan forward in line with the vision of the founding-fathers and aspirations of the people.
He said the Quaid-i-Azam’s motto of unity, faith and discipline was not merely a slogan but an imperative to unpack the socio-economic potential of the country.
The Pakistan’s UN Ambassador said that the revival of the economy is of utmost importance to put the country back on a pedestal where it is seen as an example of a progressive, modern, welfare nation-state by the developing world. He said that the government had introduced policies aimed at restoring the economy and putting it on the path to stability.
He further said that Pakistan came into being through a democratic and political struggle and its socio-economic and bright future well-being lay in strengthening institutions.
Ambassador Akram highlighted the imperative of strengthening, and modernizing the armed forces to effectively address the emergent security challenges including that of terrorism. He said we were located in a region that is surrounded by unique set of challenges, adding that it is in this context that we need to focus on strengthening our military capabilities.
Appreciating Pakistan’s diplomats for their services, Ambassador Munir Akram said that diplomacy was one of the most under-appreciated fields. He expressed his deep appreciation to the generations of the Pakistani diplomats who went beyond the call of duty to protect the country’s vital interests. He referred to the comment of a former Indian Foreign Minister who said that had it not been for the Pakistan diplomats, the Kashmir dispute could not have been kept alive internationally.
He thanked his team at the Pakistan Mission for their contributions in service of the motherland.
In his remarks, Consul General Aamer Ahmad Atozai said that as we stand here today, thousands of miles away from our homeland, our hearts remain deeply connected to Pakistan. He said our responsibilities as representatives of Pakistan abroad are immense.
“We must continue to work with dedication and commitment to protect and promote Pakistan’s interests on the international stage. Whether through diplomatic engagement, community outreach, or the provision of consular services, our actions reflect the spirit and strength of Pakistan.
Earlier the messages of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif were also read out on the occasion. In their messages, the Pakistani leaders reaffirmed their support to Kashmiris and Palestinians in their legitimate and just struggle for the right to self-determination.
The ceremony concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and Dua for peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
Editor : Kamran Raja