Sunday Times 2
Pakistanis in Sri Lanka celebrate 77th National Day
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A colourful reception to mark the 77th National Day of Pakistan was hosted by the High Commission of Pakistan on Thursday at Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo.
Public Enterprises Development Minister Kabir Hashim was the chief guest.
Welcoming the guests, Pakistan High Commissioner Syed Shakeel Hussain said each year, March 23, a yearning is reignited in the hearts of Pakistanis to nurture and uphold ideas and principles that enthused the Muslims of the Subcontinent to close their ranks in a remarkable act of unity becoming one entity to achieve their vision.
Maj. Gen. (R) Hussain highlighted that Pakistan’s economy is on the rise and is poised to become a regional economic power. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, manifestation of deepening bilateral relations between Pakistan and China will change the fate of the region in terms of socio-economic development. The mega project, once completed, will usher in prosperity and progress not only in Pakistan but also in the whole region including Sri Lanka, he underlined.
On Sri Lanka-Pakistan relations, he said that deep mutual love between our two peoples is the essential ingredient of this special relationship which is further cemented by the commonality of eternal values of universal peace and love espoused both by Islam and Buddhism.
During the event, a book titled “Pakistan – Sri Lanka Relations: A Story of Friendship” was also launched.