By Manal Abdel Fattah
Today, the Embassy of Pakistan in Cairo celebrated the 84th National Day of Pakistan with enthusiasm and overwhelming patriotic feelings, as Ambassador Sajid Bilal, the Pakistani Ambassador to Cairo, raised the Pakistani flag to the tune of the national anthem, and calls were raised for well-being, peace and prosperity in Pakistan, and messages were read on this occasion. From the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan.
For his part, Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan, said: As we celebrate the historic anniversary of Pakistan’s decision on March 23, 1940, the day that laid the foundation for the establishment of our beloved nation and our independent homeland, let us reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, and reaffirm our commitment to a prosperous and united Pakistan.
He added: When we return to the pages of history, we remember the vision and determination of our ancestors. The Pakistan Resolution of 1940 was a crucial turning point, setting the course for the establishment of Pakistan on August 14, 1947. Today, we honor the commitment and sacrifices made by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his comrades, who worked tirelessly. Towards transforming the dream of Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal into reality.
He added: The journey since our independence has been marked by great achievements in various fields. Our armed forces, civil administration, police and law enforcement agencies have, with unwavering commitment, ensured the safety, security and sovereignty of our nation. Their victorious role in the two-decade-long war against terrorism, responding quickly to the call of duty in times of natural disasters, and contributing to peacekeeping missions around the world, reflect our unwavering commitment to global peace and peaceful coexistence.
He continued: Let us also acknowledge the unparalleled sacrifices of our Kashmiri brothers, both during the Pakistan movement and in the ongoing struggle for the freedom of illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir by India. The people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir are suffering from the worst forms of state-sponsored oppression and terrorism at the hands of the Indian occupation forces, which has been exacerbated by the Hinduisation agenda, embodied in the unilateral abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A.
He said that the key to lasting peace in South Asia is to resolve the conflict in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. Pakistan, for its part, is committed to providing all types of moral and diplomatic support so that the oppressed people achieve their right to self-determination.
He added: Likewise, Pakistan is deeply concerned about the indiscriminate killing of innocent Palestinians and the ongoing attacks on educational institutions and hospitals by the Israeli Defense Forces. Pakistan remains steadfast in its principled support for the establishment of an independent, viable and contiguous State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
He continued: In the spirit of Pakistan Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to democracy, justice and equality. I urge each of you to actively participate in the nation-building process; Embracing the values of hard work, integrity and compassion. Together, united, we will overcome obstacles and chart a course towards a better and brighter future for our beloved Pakistan. Long live Pakistan! May God bless the Islamic Republic of Pakistan!
