JEDDAH: Pakistanis celebrated their Independence Day with great enthusiasm and fervor all over the Kingdom on Friday. The celebrations began a day earlier in a star-studded colorful and impressive function organized at the Pakistan International School (English Section) auditorium on Thursday.
Pakistan’s two federal ministers, Samina Khalid Gurki, minister for social welfare and special education, and Shagufta Jumani, minister of state for religious affairs, were special invitees to the event.
A large number of Pakistanis, Saudis and other dignitaries attended the function that was graced by the newly appointed Pakistani Ambassador to Riyadh, Umar Khan Alisherzai, Pakistan Visa Consul Akmal Sayeed and the US Consul General Martin R. Quinn.
Speaking on the occasion, the ambassador called on the members of the Pakistani community to keep the interests of the country foremost. He also announced that the PISJ (ES) acting Principal Saher Kamran would soon be confirmed as the principal of the school.
Various functions were held in the main cities of the Kingdom on Friday. Flag hoisting ceremonies were held simultaneously at the Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh and the consulate in Jeddah.
Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Dr. Farooq Sattar and Alisherzai unfurled the Pakistan flag at the function in the chancery of Riyadh.
The minister in his address emphasized the need for investment by overseas Pakistanis. The ambassador in his address highlighted the importance of the day and said, “we have to be united and work hard for the solidarity, freedom and prosperity of our beloved country.”
In Jeddah, the flag hoisting ceremony was held at the residence of the Consul General Zaigham Uddin Azam, who urged the community to work together in light of the golden principles of the Quaid.
The PISJ event started with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, followed by the singing of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s national anthem and then the message of President Asif Ali Zardari was read.
Later, Saher welcomed the guests and highlighted the importance of the day and urged her countrymen to come forward to help internally displaced Pakistanis.
A cultural program was also organized in Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Memorial Auditorium of the school. Popular Pakistani artistes led by versatile actor Moeen Akhtar, pop singers Sajjad Ali, Ammar Ali and Naweed Jimmy and actor Faisal Kazi, added glamor to the memorable evening. Moeen Akhtar — an actor par excellence — entertained the audience with his irresistible wit and humor in his unique style.
As the show progressed, it turned out to be a nostalgic musical evening. Everyone present enjoyed the renditions of their popular singers, which brought the normally reserved Jeddah audience to its feet, clapping along with the beats.
Sajjad Ali lived up to the billing as everyone present enjoyed his performance and choice of songs. Sajjad’s talent in singing ghazal was evident throughout the night, but what made the performance electric was his effort to involve the audience by playing to their tune.
