Pakistan’s 73rd National Day celebrated in Sri Lanka

Saturday, 24 March 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Pakistan High Commission and the Pakistani community based in Sri Lanka yesterday celebrated the 73rd National Day of Pakistan with traditional fervor and resolve to make Pakistan a strong, vibrant, progressive and democratic Islamic welfare state.

The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Seema IlahiBaloch hoisted the national flag in an impressive ceremony held at Pakistan High Commission to mark the occasion. Later, the messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out to the participants.

The National Day of Pakistan is celebrated every year on 23 March to commemorate the most outstanding achievement of the Muslims of South Asia who passed the historic ‘Pakistan Resolution’ on this day at Lahore in 1940 which culminated in creation of New Country-Pakistan after seven years.

The High Commissioner of Pakistan in her message on the occasion said that it is a matter of great satisfaction that Pakistan and Sri Lanka continue to maintain their traditionally close and mutually beneficial relations in all fields.

The process of bilateral cooperation has been greatly assisted by increased interaction both at the level of people and the highest government functionaries of the two countries. We rejoice at the fact that the relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is one of choice and not compulsion. It can serve as a shining example of cooperation at the bilateral, regional and international level.

An important feature of yesterday’s event at Colombo was the conferment of ‘Tamgha-i-Pakistan’on behalf of the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Brother Emmanuel Nicholas in recognition of his meritorious services to Pakistan.

Brother Emmanuel Nicholas’s deep association with Pakistan dates back to 1966 when he joined LaSalle High School Multan, Pakistan as teacher in 1966. At La Salle High School Brother Emmanuel Nicholas richly contributed in inculcating noble human values in his students which shaped their personalities to undertake future leadership roles. One of his most notable students at La Salle High School was Syed Yousaf RazaGiliani, the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

The ceremony was attended by the members of various diplomatic Missions, prominent Sri Lankan personalities and Pakistani community in Sri Lanka from various walks of life including a large section of media.