MM Rahmatullah: Pakistan Independence Day was observed at the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka on Friday with the participation of members of the Pakistani community, Bangladeshi citizens, students, journalists, civil society representatives and other well-wishers.

The programme began with the hoisting of Pakistan’s national flag by High Commissioner Mr. Imran Haider, accompanied by the national anthem.

Messages from Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar were read out at the ceremony.

In their messages, Pakistan’s leadership extended greetings to Pakistanis at home and abroad and paid tribute to the country’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, philosopher-poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal and the people who contributed to the Pakistan Movement.

The leadership highlighted Pakistan’s achievements in areas including education, science and technology, sports and defence since independence. It also stressed the importance of following the principles of “Unity, Faith and Discipline” in pursuing national development and fulfilling the vision of the country’s founders.

The messages also paid tribute to members of Pakistan’s armed forces and law-enforcement agencies who, according to the leadership, sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism. Reference was made to what the Pakistani leadership described as the success of “Operation Marak-e-Haq” against India, while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace, prosperity and security was also emphasised. The leadership reiterated Islamabad’s support for the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and its position that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

The Pakistani leadership further expressed concern over what it described as terrorism against neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, originating from Afghan territory.

An important part of the Dhaka celebrations was the recognition of Bangladeshi students who participated in an essay competition titled “Historical Sites in Pakistan”, organised by the High Commission. Prizes and certificates were distributed among the successful participants.

The programme ended with special prayers for peace, progress and prosperity for Pakistan.

The observance in Dhaka brought together Pakistani nationals and Bangladeshi guests in a programme that combined the commemoration of Pakistan’s independence with messages on national development, regional peace and people-to-people contacts.