Today, we are celebrating our Independence Day. On this auspicious and happy occasion, I extend my heartiest felicitations to all Pakistanis living in the Kingdom.

Pakistan emerged as an independent state on the world map on Aug. 14, 1947, after a long and arduous struggle by Muslims of the Subcontinent under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. His principles of faith, unity and discipline gave them the strength to bear all difficulties and enabled them to achieve this noble cause i.e. a sovereign state where they could live according to their free will and practice their religious values irrespective of cast and creed.

Only those states which have a national spirit of unity and tolerance can face any external or internal threat to its sovereignty.

As patriot Pakistanis living abroad, it is our paramount duty to convert Pakistan into a stronger, prosperous and progressive country by using all possible intellectual, financial and moral capabilities at individual level to enhance Pakistan’s image. We can achieve these objectives by following the golden norms of fraternity, brotherhood, equality and justice as laid down in our religion.

Today is the day to thank Allah Almighty for blessing us with this great Islamic state, which has all kinds of terrains, weathers and multidimensional agricultural assets. We have to re-examine our strengths and weaknesses.

This day reminds us of the struggle and sacrifices of our forefathers and demands that while living abroad we should forget all our regional, ethnic, mutual diversities and convert it into one strength to stand together as a nation.

We should also pledge that no stone will be left unturned in transforming Pakistan into an impregnable, modern, progressive, enlightened and democratic state, as a real fort of Islam and the only Islamic nuclear state.

The newly democratically elected government will play its role and will transform its policies for the welfare of its people. Defense of the country is now impregnable.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy excellent brotherly and bilateral relations. The geographical proximity, common religion and the presence of a fairly healthy volume of Pakistanis have strengthened our eternal bonds. Our common understanding at the bilateral, regional and international levels has also strengthened our brotherly relations.

The royal hierarchy has always extended religious, moral, diplomatic, social and financial hand of support to Pakistan and its people, irrespective of political affiliations. The Kingdom is a time-tested friend and has always stood by us during natural calamities or international pressures, whenever Pakistan has been confronted with crises.

Availing of this opportunity, it will not be fair if I do not appreciate the support and help being extended by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the government and the brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Taking the advantage of this auspicious occasion, I sincerely request and urge the Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia to abide by the local laws and work with more enthusiasm, honesty, dedication and devotion for the upliftment of the image of Pakistan, which they represent.

As Ambassador of Pakistan, it is my foremost duty to augment the existing brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.