In Pictures: High Commission marks 75th Independence Day of Pakistan

The High Commission of Pakistan and the Pakistani community in Sri Lanka celebrated the country's 75th Independence Day in Colombo on Saturday (14).

“The Diamond Jubilee” was celebrated with traditional fervor and resolve to make Pakistan a strong, dynamic, progressive, tolerant and democratic Islamic welfare state, the Pakistan High Commission stated in a media release. 

The High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Maj. Gen (Retd) Muhammad Saad Khattak hoisted the national flag of Pakistan in vibrant and colorful ceremony held at the high commission premises.

The messages by Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan were then read out. 

In his remarks, High Commissioner Khattak, paid tribute to the forefathers of the nation who faced insurmountable challenges and gave unparalleled sacrifices for achieving the dream of Pakistan. "Our elders sacrificed their present for our future," he noted. He reiterated that 14th August is the day of happiness; "a day of bowing our heads before Almighty Allah in thankfulness and a day of renewing our pledge that we will continue to struggle with unity, faith and discipline for the objectives, for which the country was created."

On Sri Lanka-Pakistan relations, the High Commissioner said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Sri Lanka, based on mutual respect, understanding and close cooperation. He further said that Pakistan has always extended unconditional support to Sri Lanka at all fora and will always continue to do so.

Pix by M.A. Pushpakumara