NEW YORK: A flag hoisting ceremony was held at Pakistani Mission to the UN Sunday to mark Pakistan Day, with Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad calling for embracing the lessons and values of the nation’s founding fathers.
The day is observed with national fervor by members of Pakistani diaspora, residing in different parts of the United Stated, to pay homage to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and to renew commitment to their homeland.
The ceremony, held at the chancery building, was attended by officers, staff, and their families.
Messages from President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were read out on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Asim, permanent representative-designate of Pakistan to the UN, said that he spirit of sacrifice, resilience, and unity that defined Pakistan’s freedom struggle continues to inspire hope as the nation navigates various challenges.
“The millions of Muslims who gathered at the historic Minar-e-Pakistan on this day 85 years ago set an enduring example of perseverance, courage, and selflessness in achieving the goal of Pakistan’s establishment under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,” he said.
‘If we embrace the lessons and values of our founding fathers in both our individual and collective lives, there is no reason we cannot place Pakistan firmly on the path to sustained progress and prosperity.”
In this context, Ambassador Asim shed light on the complex geopolitical environment of the World Wars era that preceded Pakistan’s establishment, noting that the challenges at the time were even more daunting than those faced today.
He highlighted how Pakistan’s founding fathers adopted a multidimensional approach during the freedom movement, mobilizing people from all walks of life, including women, students, and the youth.
The Quaid-i-Azam, he said, led a constitutional, political, and democratic struggle for Pakistan, and with the unwavering support of the people, overcame all obstacles in his path, he told the ceremony.
