JEDDAH, 15 August 2005 — The Pakistani overseas community in the Kingdom yesterday celebrated the Independence Day of Pakistan with great fervor and enthusiasm. Several functions were held in Tabuk, Makkah, Yanbu, Abha and Madinah.
Flag-raising ceremonies were held simultaneously at the Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh and the consulate general at Jeddah. Retired Adm. Abdul Aziz Mirza, ambassador of Pakistan, unfurled the national flag, at a largely attended ceremony at the chancery in Riyadh. In his message, the ambassador said that “every year, Aug. 14 reminds us of the sacrifices of millions for the cause of a homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent. It is a day to look back and reflect on our achievements of the past 59 years and on what remains to be achieved. Let us together endeavor to make Pakistan a modern, Islamic welfare state as envisioned by the Quaid-e-Azam.
At Jeddah, the ceremony started with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an and singing of the national anthem. Consul General Masood Akhtar in his address highlighted the importance of the day and urged the community to stay united.