NEW York, 15 August 2024 (TDI): Pakistan’s Independence Day was celebrated with traditional fervour and enthusiasm at the Pakistan House In New York on Wednesday with the hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador Munir Akram, who paid rich tributes to the visionary leadership of the nation’s founding father Mohammed Ali Jinnah.
The elegant ceremony, arranged jointly by the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN and the Consulate General in New York, started with recitation from the Holy Quran.
Ambassador Akram, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Consul General Aamer Ahmad Atozai addressed the ceremony, which included Deputy Permanent Representative Usman Jadoon, officers and the staff members of the Pakistan Mission and the Consulate.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Akram said that Pakistan was created with great optimism on this day in 1947 as a homeland for Muslims of the sub-continent marking the realization of a dream considered impossible by many at that time.
Paying tribute to the Quaid-i-Azam’s sterling leadership and the sacrifices of the nation’s forefathers, he said that without that “we would have continued to be slaves”.
The envoy said the current situation of Indian Muslims who are suffering the brunt of Hindutva ideology validates the political sagacity of Jinnah.
Ambassador Akram said that Pakistan was founded on the principle of self-determination, the whole idea of independence would remain incomplete without the people of IIOJK realizing their inalienable right to self-determination. The word ‘K’ in Pakistan’s name represents Jammu and Kashmir, he said.
In this regard, the Pakistani ambassador dilated upon a four-pronged framework to take the country forward in line with the vision of the founding fathers and aspirations of the people.
Quaid-i-Azam’s motto of faith, unity, and discipline was not merely a slogan but an imperative to unpack the socio-economic potential of Pakistan, he said. The revival of national economy was of utmost significance, and the government introduced policies aimed at restoring the economy and putting it on the path to stability.
Ambassador Akram underlined the necessity of strengthening, and modernizing the armed forces to effectively address the new security challenges including that of terrorism.
We are located in a region that is surrounded by a unique array of challenges, and we should focus on strengthening our military capabilities, he added.
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He also expressed his deep appreciation to the generations of Pakistani envoys who went beyond their call of duty to defend and protect the nation’s vital interests.
In his remarks, Consul General Atozai, reflected on the importance of the day and underlined the critical role of the Pakistani diaspora in projecting the country’s image and interests abroad.
He also paid glowing tribute to the resilience and contributions of the Pakistani community in New York.
