It gives me immense pleasure to express my heartfelt felicitation to the Pakistani community on the 62st Independence Day of Pakistan. Aug. 14 is the day of renewal of our pledge to make Pakistan a prosperous, strong and a developed country.

We are grateful to Allah Almighty for blessing us with a democratic government which is making all-out efforts to make Pakistan both politically stable and economically vibrant state in consonance with the aspirations of the people and guidance of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah — the founder of Pakistan.

Pakistan has been fortunate to get back on the democratic track wherein the people’s representative Parliament is supreme. The present democratic government will steer the country out of crises and work for the economic reform agenda which has figured most prominently and is a prerequisite for improving the life of the poor, especially through accelerated economic development. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been enjoying strong bilateral relations which are the epitome of complete uniformity and understanding. Both of them have been complimenting each other’s efforts at all regional and international forums.

I am also thankful to the Pakistani community in the Western Region which has been supportive of the Consulate to bring a positive change and make a worthwhile contribution in strengthening Pakistani-Saudi relations. The government believes in continuity and consistency of policies of good governance, moderation and creation of an enabling environment for Investment and Trade.

Pakistan has been maintaining good forex reserves which would not have been possible without the support of overseas Pakistanis especially from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who have contributed a Foreign Exchange of $.1.2 millions to the state exchequer during the last financial year. The overall figure of the Foreign Exchange earnings from Saudi Arabia goes up to $1.55 billion when the export earnings of $350 million are added to the workers remittances.

At the end, I would like to impress upon all my Pakistani brothers and sisters to work with devotion and dedication individually and collectively to uphold the dignity and honor of a proud Pakistani nation. They as representatives of the country should also keep the national flag high.

Pakistan Paindabad