I congratulate all members of the Pakistani community living in the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on this auspicious and happy occasion of the National Day of Pakistan.
The day of 23rd March is a milestone in the history of Pakistan. It represents and reminds us of the heroic and historic struggle of Muslims of the subcontinent for a separate homeland. We got a separate homeland only due to the sincere efforts of our forefathers and now it is a sacred trust with us. This is our coming generations’ duty to make this homeland strong, progressive and a forward-looking independent Islamic welfare state. To achieve these goals we must place our national unity and integrity above any other consideration. Golden principles of our beloved Quaid, that is, faith unity and discipline should be followed in every aspect of our individual and collective lives.
Since its creation, Pakistan with the grace of Almighty Allah has made remarkable progress in different socio-economic fields. We are firmly marching ahead as a democratic, progressive and a moderate Islamic state.
Being a peace-loving country, Pakistan is committed to peace and security not only in the region but also at the international level. Peaceful coexistence with our neighbors, consistent consultations and diplomatic efforts at all levels are steps toward settlement of the problems faced by the region.
We believe that the time for diplomacy never ends. Our leadership has tried its best to reduce differences at global level on all regional and international issues. Our leadership is putting forward sincere efforts for resolution of all issues with our neighboring states as well as in the Gulf region.
On economic front Pakistan is witnessing a massive upsurge. Wide-ranging reforms through macro economic polices and financial discipline has transformed Pakistan into a resurgent economy. Today, an investment-friendly atmosphere exists in Pakistan due to liberal and attractive incentives provided for various socio-economic fields. Hence, foreign investors and organizations, as well as our expatriates are investing in Pakistan with confidence. Our Saudi brothers are also taking keen interest in investment in Pakistan. You must have noticed that they are frequently visiting Pakistan for exploring business avenues and opportunities. It is expected that in the near future more investments from Saudi Arabia will take place.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have had very warm bilateral relations throughout history. Religious affiliation, historical relations and presence of a large number of Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia have strengthened ties between the two countries. Both the countries have unanimity of views on all international and economic issues.
After Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah ascended the throne, bilateral relations rose to a new height. King Abdullah paid a three-day visit to Pakistan in 2006. Soon after the King’s visit, Crown Prince Sultan again visited Pakistan. The people of Pakistan hold King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan and holy land of Saudi Arabia in very high esteem. Similarly our leadership is also well-respected in Saudi Arabia. The fact that the president and the prime minister of Pakistan have visited Saudi Arabia in the recent past, testify to the depth and strength of Pakistan-Saudi relations.
On this occasion of Pakistan Day, I call upon all Pakistanis living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform their duties with a sense of complete devotion for progress and prosperity of this Holy Land. In the end, I take this opportunity to impress on my compatriots, engaged in various pursuits in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform their functions with sincerity to bolster the image of Pakistan.
To sum up, I request you to remember your commitment toward your own beloved country by actively participating in its developments. I commend and appreciate the patriotic spirit with which you always respond to all national calls. I would also urge upon you all to inculcate in yourselves harmony, unity and tolerance for others. You should always keep Pakistan in mind and should never forget your roots. You must invest in Pakistan and must send your remittances through proper banking channels. Your remittances will strengthen Pakistan’s economy. Long live Pakistan. Long live Pak-Saudi friendship.