ON the auspicious and happy occasion of our 63rd Independence Day, I wish to extend my heartiest felicitations to all Pakistanis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Today is the day to thank Allah for blessing us with the most beautiful piece of land with a diversity of weathers and terrain.

Allama Iqbal gave the idea of having an independent state for the Muslims of the sub-continent where they could practice their religion according to their own wishes. The dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam united them to achieve this goal. His golden principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline guided them and as a result of a long and arduous struggle, Pakistan came into existence on Aug. 14, 1947.

The day, Aug. 14, reminds us of the historical struggle and sacrifices by our forefathers for a separate homeland. Now, it is our responsibility to make Pakistan an enlightened, tolerant, progressive welfare state. The challenges that we are facing today demand that we remain united. We must forget all regional and ethnic differences and utilize our energies in transforming Pakistan into a modern and democratic state.

The valiant struggle waged by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto culminated in the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. She gave her life for the noble cause of rule of the people ending the dark night of dictatorship. Now the country, despite all odds, is resolutely progressing under the wise stewardship of the president and the prime minister. In spite of domestic problems and the global economic recession, our forex reserves have increased to $11.463 billion. Economic growth stands at 2 percent. In 2009 an amount of $7.076 billion was received as remittances by expatriates until May (11 months of the fiscal year) which shows an increase of $1.172 billion over the same period during the last fiscal year. This statistical analysis of our growing economy speaks volumes about the sincerity and patriotism of our dynamic leadership.

Pakistan has been commended in the comity of nations as a frontline state against the war on terror. It is because of the resolute and uncompromising determination of our leadership that Pakistan is on the road to eradicating the scourge and menace of terrorism from its soil.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy excellent brotherly relations. The two-way trade between the two countries has witnessed sharp increases. Saudi Arabia remains Pakistan's 10th biggest destination for exports with a 30 percent increase in total exports of Pakistan to the Kingdom over the last year. These relations have withstood the passage of time. Islam binds them into inseparable bonds of fraternity. Besides excellent relations in other spheres of life, economic relations continue to show a positive trend. The people of Pakistan hold Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan in the highest esteem. Our leadership also is well respected in Saudi Arabia. I, along with you, will support and strive to further deepen these relations.

The one and a half million strong Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia is playing a vital role in the development of the Kingdom. It is also a source of precious foreign exchange that is vital for Pakistan's economic development. I call upon all my compatriots to fulfill their obligations toward our beloved country's development. I urge you to invest in Pakistan and remit your money through banking channels. You represent Pakistan and should always be mindful of your role as its ambassador.

Long live Pakistan

Long live Pakistan-Saudi Arabia friendship

Umar Khan Alisherzai

Ambassador

Islamic Republic of Pakistan