ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi Saturday hosted aseries of events to celebrate the Pakistan Day with traditional fervor.
A flag-hoisting ceremony was held wherein High Commissioner Sohail Mahmoodhoisted the national flag while the national anthem was played. Messages ofthe president and prime minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.
In his remarks, the high commissioner highlighted the historic significanceof the day and role of the founding fathers in the establishment ofPakistan.
He also shared Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan andPakistan’s post-independence strides in deepening democracy, acceleratingeconomic development, establishing independent judiciary, promoting freemedia, and nurturing a vibrant civil society.He underlined the importance of Pakistan’s desire for peaceful andgood-neighbourly relations with India.
Alluding to recent tensions, the high commissioner noted that PrimeMinister Imran Khan’s decision to release Wing Commander Abhinandan, returnof the two high commissioners to their respective missions, and continuingbilateral meetings to develop modalities for the operationalizaiton ofKartarpur Corridor were steps in a positive direction.He added that it was important for Pakistan and India to resolve alloutstanding issues and disputes peacefully through dialogue.The high commissioner said Pakistan had repeatedly underlined that itsdesire for peace should not be construed as its weakness, but a reflectionof constructive thinking of a secure and confident nation.
The students of the Pakistan High Commission School sang national songs andpresented a tableau highlighting the struggle for the creation of Pakistan.
Mahwish Sohail, spouse of the high commissioner, distributed gifts amongperforming students.
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On Saturday, the National Day reception was hosted by the high commissionerand his spouse. The gathering comprised political figures, members of theDelhi-based diplomatic corps, businessmen, media and civil societyrepresentatives, and Pakistani nationals in India.In his remarks, the high commissioner noted that “the founding fathers ofPakistan and India had envisaged amicable relations between the twocountries.
A key takeaway from recent development, he said, was that lack ofengagement created a dangerous vacuum and serious risks for therelationship. Noting that while some steps had been taken to defusetensions, the high commissioner said still there was a need to reassure thecitizens of both the countries to consolidate the process of de-escalation,and to stabilize the ties against further shocks.
Stressing the inadvisability of coercive means, the high commissionerunderlined that diplomacy and dialogue were inevitable for enhancing mutualunderstanding, addressing mutual concerns, and resolving long-standingdisputes including Jammu and Kashmir.“A relationship based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and mutualinterest is the best guarantee for a peaceful and prosperous future,” heunderlined.
The guests were served with delicious Pakistani cuisine and enchantingmusic in a welcoming ambiance.
A photo Exhibition on “Colours of Pakistan”, was organized -depicting thenatural beauty, historical and archeological sites, cultural traditions,arts and crafts, and people of Pakistan comprising iconic images from topPakistani photographer Gulraiz Ghouri.
