Pakistan Day celebrations held in High Commission in New Delhi with strong message to India
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ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi Saturday hosted a series of events to celebrate the Pakistan Day with traditional fervor.
A flag-hoisting ceremony was held wherein High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood hoisted the national flag while the national anthem was played. Messages of the president and prime minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.
In his remarks, the high commissioner highlighted the historic significance of the day and role of the founding fathers in the establishment of Pakistan.
He also shared Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan and Pakistan’s post-independence strides in deepening democracy, accelerating economic development, establishing independent judiciary, promoting free media, and nurturing a vibrant civil society. He underlined the importance of Pakistan’s desire for peaceful and good-neighbourly relations with India.
Alluding to recent tensions, the high commissioner noted that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision to release Wing Commander Abhinandan, return of the two high commissioners to their respective missions, and continuing bilateral meetings to develop modalities for the operationalizaiton of Kartarpur Corridor were steps in a positive direction. He added that it was important for Pakistan and India to resolve all outstanding issues and disputes peacefully through dialogue. The high commissioner said Pakistan had repeatedly underlined that its desire for peace should not be construed as its weakness, but a reflection of constructive thinking of a secure and confident nation.
The students of the Pakistan High Commission School sang national songs and presented a tableau highlighting the struggle for the creation of Pakistan.
Mahwish Sohail, spouse of the high commissioner, distributed gifts among performing students.
On Saturday, the National Day reception was hosted by the high commissioner and his spouse. The gathering comprised political figures, members of the Delhi-based diplomatic corps, businessmen, media and civil society representatives, and Pakistani nationals in India. In his remarks, the high commissioner noted that “the founding fathers of Pakistan and India had envisaged amicable relations between the two countries.
A key takeaway from recent development, he said, was that lack of engagement created a dangerous vacuum and serious risks for the relationship. Noting that while some steps had been taken to defuse tensions, the high commissioner said still there was a need to reassure the citizens 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 commissioner underlined that diplomacy and dialogue were inevitable for enhancing mutual understanding, addressing mutual concerns, and resolving long-standing disputes including Jammu and Kashmir. “A relationship based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and mutual interest is the best guarantee for a peaceful and prosperous future,” he underlined.
The guests were served with delicious Pakistani cuisine and enchanting music in a welcoming ambiance.
A photo Exhibition on “Colours of Pakistan”, was organized -depicting the natural beauty, historical and archeological sites, cultural traditions, arts and crafts, and people of Pakistan comprising iconic images from top Pakistani photographer Gulraiz Ghouri.
