I wish to extend my sincere felicitations to all the members of Pakistani community living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan National Day, March 23, 2006.

2. 23rd March 1940 is a landmark in the history when Pakistan’s Resolution was first adopted by the Muslim League under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Lahore, paving the way for the creation of our beloved country.

3. The Muslims of the subcontinent through this resolution expressed their united will to form a separate homeland where they could live freely in accordance with the principles of their religion and in compatibility with their spiritual, social, political and cultural values. It was because of this will and commitment to the cause that in less than seven years of the adoption of the resolution, Pakistan emerged as the largest independent Muslim Country on the map of the world.

4. 23rd March not only refreshes our memories of the heroic struggle of the Muslim of the subcontinent but also reminds us of our heroes who laid down their lives for the creation and defense of our beloved country. They valiantly withstood the challenges posed to them in taking Pakistan to a position of prominence in the comity of nations.

5. It would be most befitting the occasion that we all pledge to work devotedly for the achievement of our national objectives as well as progress & prosperity of our homeland according to the aspiration of our leaders.

6. The government of Pakistan under the sagacious leadership of President of Pakistan Gen. Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz are well aware of the problems and are successfully implementing several policies with the prime objectives of reviving the economy, rooting out corruption, political restructuring and good governance. With these purposeful policies marked with sincerity of purpose and deep commitment, the nation can look forward to a stable and prosperous Pakistan.

7. Pakistan has emerged as a frontline state to combat international terrorism and the world community has lauded its role for peace. The leadership and people in Pakistan are committed to live in peace with their neighbors and don’t harbor any aggressive designs against any community without compromising on our integrity and sovereignty.

8. Pakistan as a peace loving country wishes to amicably solve all disputes including Kashmir through sustained and meaningful dialogue. It is encouraging that the world community is now realizing that a just and honorable solution of the Kashmir dispute in line with the UN resolutions guaranteeing the right to self determination to the Kashmiri is extremely important for the cause of peace and prosperity in South Asia.

9. On this auspicious occasion, I wish to appeal to my fellow countrymen in the Kingdom to make the best use of their abilities to further strengthen the cordial and brotherly relations between the two countries and fully contribute in the development of the Kingdom. They should also help revive our national economy and other nation-building institutions in Pakistan.

10. Let us resolve today that we would work together for making Pakistan a dynamic, prosperous, tolerant and true Islamic state.