RIYADH, 24 March 2006 — Pakistan’s National Day was celebrated in the Kingdom yesterday with simplicity and fervor. Flag-hoisting ceremonies were held at the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah to mark the occasion. The ceremonies were attended by a large number of Pakistanis.
Pakistan’s Ambassador Adm. (retired) Shahid Karimullah hoisted the flag at the function in the embassy in Riyadh. The ambassador read out the messages of the president and prime minister. Students of the Pakistan International School presented tableaux and national songs.
After the flag-hoisting ceremony, a special investiture ceremony was held in the embassy premises to confer “Sitara-e-Pakistan” on Professor Dr. Hussain M. Al-Freihi, secretary-general of Saudi Council for Health, for his efforts to promote cooperation between the two countries in health sector. The award was conferred on Al-Freihi by Karimullah.
Al-Freihi has been instrumental in promoting collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in health sector. Due to his efforts a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Pakistan (CPSP) and Saudi Council for Health Specialties (SCHS).
Meanwhile, Consul General Masood Akhtar, who performed the flag-hoisting ceremony in Jeddah, spoke about the importance of the day and urged members of the Pakistani community to remain united. He asked them to make best use of their abilities to further strengthen the cordial relations between the two countries and fully contribute to the development of the Kingdom. Messages of the president and the prime minister were read.
