KYIV, Ukraine: The Embassy of Pakistan in Kyiv organized the 75th Independence Day flag hoisting ceremony on Saturday with traditional fervour and enthusiasm while the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs felicitated all Pakistanis on the auspicious occasion.
The Independence Day flag hoisting ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an. The national anthem was played and Ambassador H.E. Dr. Noel I. Khokhar hoisted the national flag.
The messages of President Dr. Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan were read out on this occasion.
In his remarks, Ambassador Dr. Noel I. Khokhar while felicitating everyone on Independence Day of Pakistan said that our forefathers made great sacrifices for the creation of Pakistan with the purpose to provide a place where everyone’s religious, cultural and social values are safeguarded.
Ambassador Dr. Noel I. Khokhar said that we must continue our journey and effort to realize this dream of our forefathers to make Pakistan a truly independent and progressive country.
To achieve this end, he added, we must follow the guiding principles of Unity, Faith, and Discipline of our great Quaid Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The present government of Pakistan has stated its policy transition from geo-politics to geo-economics.
The ambassador said that Pakistan is pursuing an economy-centered policy that aims at economic development, regional connectivity, and prosperity for the whole region. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a major pillar and driver of this policy. The purpose is to make Pakistan a Country that plays its due role for global peace, stability, and security.
The ambassador expressed that due to the great sacrifices rendered by valiant sons of the soil, Pakistan has made a tremendous transition from terrorism to tourism.
“On this day, we pay rich tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives to safeguard their motherland, Pakistan,” he said.
The envoy said that Pakistan is also playing its due role to promote peace in Afghanistan. Pakistan is working with regional and international powers and neighbors to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. Pakistan believes that a true peace in Afghanistan could be achieved through an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned political settlement only.
The ambassador added that while we celebrate Independence Day, our hearts are profoundly grieved by the sufferings of our brothers and sisters in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) who are being subjected to the worst human rights violations by the Indian Occupation Forces, especially for the last two years.
Ambassador Dr. Noel I. Khokhar said that Pakistan is raising the issue of suppression and oppression of Kashmiris at the hands of Indian Forces at all international forums including the United Nations. Pakistan will continue to provide its moral diplomatic and political support to the people of IIOJK in their just struggle for self-determination.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the well-being and prosperity of the whole Muslim Umma, Pakistan, and its people.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine extended felicitations to all Pakistanis on the Independence Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The ministry said that cordial Pakistan-Ukraine relations are based on mutual trust and common interests.
“Our wishes of peace, progress & prosperity to the government & people of Pakistan,” it said.
Felicitations to all Pakistanis on the Independence Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Cordial 🇺🇦-🇵🇰 relations are based on mutual trust & common interests. Our wishes of peace, progress & prosperity to the Government & people of Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/HyxkR02R0c
— MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) August 14, 2021
