A flag-raising ceremony was held at the Pakistani Embassy in Paris to commemorate Pakistan Day. The event was attended by a large number of Pakistani communities, members of diplomatic corps, media representatives and embassy officials.
Messages from the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs were read.
Pakistani Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad welcomed the guests and thanked them for participating in the ceremony. In his speech, the ambassador said that on this day in 1940, Muslims made demands for a “separate state,” a separate homeland where they could live their lives according to their wishes. mine.He said March 23 was a landmark day in the history of Pakistan’s movement. This is the day that honors the courageous struggle of our ancestors for a separate homeland a struggle that had its direction and momentum starting with the historic Lahore Resolution of 1940, later known as the Lahore Resolution. Pakistan decision. It was a great display of vision on the part of the Muslims of the subcontinent that this resolution brought them together with extraordinary courage and zeal
to fight for a homeland and separate freedom was maintained for a short period of seven years.
Addressing the guests, the Ambassador said, under the visionary leadership of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the sacrifices of his companions, Many obstacles have been overcome to make Pakistan a reality and dream. by Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal has come true.The Ambassador added that while celebrating Pakistan Day, we must not forget that the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) are experiencing the worst form of state repression and terrorism at the hands of Indian occupation forces, exacerbated even more by Hindutva. agenda and unilateral actions in August 2019. The key to lasting peace in South Asia is resolving disputes in accordance with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. On its part, Pakistan is determined to provide all possible support until the right to self-determination of the people of Kashmir is realized.
The Ambassador also expressed strong support for the Palestinian people who have faced injustice, oppression and illegal occupation for seven decades at the hands of the Israel Defense Forces. Pakistan remains firmly in principle supporting the establishment of an independent, viable and contiguous Palestinian State, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.The Ambassador emphasized the importance of friendship between Pakistan and France and said both countries share the same goals of development, peace and security. He added that relations between France and Pakistan are gaining positive momentum and the two sides have become closer not only through political consultations but also through economic activities. Much attention is paid to strengthening cooperation in the fields of energy, information technology, agriculture and livestock, tourism and other fields.
He appreciated the Pakistani community living in France for its achievements and contributions to strengthening relations between Pakistan and France, especially relations between the two peoples. He hailed his countrymen as ambassadors of Pakistan and invaluable assets, pledging to carry out the ideals of the founders of achieving glory for Pakistan by applying the values of hard work, integrity justice and compassion.
Afterwards, the guests enjoyed poetry and paintings by Pakistani children on the occasion.
On the occasion of awarding Pakistan Citizen Tamgha-e-Imtiaz Award to Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad for outstanding public service was also organised. The award was announced by the President of Pakistan on August 14, 2023.
Sub Editor: Ghufran