Pakistan’s High Commission in Ottawa, together with its Consulates General in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, marked the country’s 80th Independence Day on Friday, with ceremonies that also launched the year-long observance of the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the nation’s founding father.
The centerpiece of the day was a flag-hoisting ceremony held at the Chancery in Ottawa, where officials read out special messages from Pakistan’s President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister.
The ceremony celebrated both the country’s independence and what organizers described as the vision, resolve and unity underpinning Jinnah’s founding of the nation.
Marking the start of the 150th anniversary commemorations, the High Commission screened a documentary chronicling Jinnah’s life, leadership and role in Pakistan’s independence movement.
A digital photographic exhibition tracing key moments from his life and milestones in Pakistan’s history was also presented to attendees.
Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Muhammad Saleem extended greetings on the anniversary and paid tribute to Jinnah’s legacy, reaffirming the government’s commitment to his vision of a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Pakistan.
Ambassador Saleem said the country would continue to pursue peace, dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect among nations, and underscored the role the Pakistani diaspora in Canada plays in deepening people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The event drew a large turnout from Ottawa-area Pakistani community members and supporters, with organizers noting strong participation from families and young attendees.
Speakers at the event honored the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces and citizens in defending the country, and expressed hope that the year-long Jinnah anniversary celebrations would instill his principles and vision in younger generations.
The commemorations in Ottawa formed part of coordinated observances across Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in Canada, reflecting both the significance of the independence anniversary and the symbolic weight of the Jinnah sesquicentennial, which Pakistani missions abroad are expected to mark through further cultural and diplomatic events over the coming year.
