Celebration of 75th anniversary of Independence Day of Pakistan in Sri Lanka

The High Commission of Pakistan and the Pakistani community in Sri Lanka on Saturday celebrated “The Diamond Jubilee” of independence of Pakistan with traditional fervour and resolve to make Pakistan a strong, dynamic, progressive, tolerant and democratic Islamic welfare State.

The High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Umar Farooq Burki HI hoisted the national flag of Pakistan to the tune of the national anthem in a vibrant and colourful ceremony at the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo.

Trade and Investment Attaché Asmma Kamal read out the message of Pakistan President Dr. Arif Alvi quoting: “On the joyous occasion of the 75th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence, I extend my heartiest felicitations to the entire nation. This day reminds us of the innumerable sacrifices rendered by our founding fathers under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for carving this homeland “Pakistan” for us. Today, we also reaffirm our resolve to uphold Pakistan’s ideology and make Pakistan an ideal modern Islamic welfare nation-State.”

The message of Pakistan Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was read out for the audience by Attaché Kalsoom Qaiser. The message included: “The 75th Independence Day is a watershed moment in our nation’s history. Today we pay rich tributes to Muslims of the sub-continent and express our collective gratitude to them for their heroic struggle, and epic sacrifices for the creation of a new State. The coming of Pakistan into existence was not less than a miracle that stunned friends and foes alike, beating all predictions and assessments.”  

In his remarks, the High Commissioner Burki said 14 August is the day of happiness; a day of bowing our heads before Almighty Allah in thankfulness and a day of renewing our pledge that we will continue to work with unity, faith and discipline for the objectives, for which Pakistan was created. Today we remember our forefathers and martyrs and pay our gratitude to them for making extraordinary sacrifices to give us an independent homeland.

“We believe in having cordial relations with all countries and especially so with countries in our neighbourhood.  That is the reason that Pakistan was and is a strong advocate of regional connectivity in South Asia through the specialised forum of SAARC.  Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka are key members of SAARC and both countries have shared strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood since they came into being,” the High Commissioner added.

The event was well-attended by a good number of participants including diplomats, members of the Pakistani community, officials and families of the High Commission, local dignitaries, journalists and friends of Pakistan. The event was also attended by officers of PNS Taimur which called Colombo on Friday.

Pix by Kithsiri de Mel