On the auspicious and happy occasion of the National Day of Pakistan, I congratulate all members of the Pakistani community living in the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The day of 23rd March is very important in the lives of all Pakistanis, as it reminds us not only of the heroic and historic struggle of Muslims of the subcontinent for a separate homeland but also the unprecedented sacrifices of our forefathers for a strong, progressive and forward-looking independent Islamic welfare state, where they could build an enlightened, tolerant and moderate society that ensured social justice and equal opportunities to all its citizen, irrespective of their caste, creed, color and gender. Let me also take this opportunity to remind my countrymen that in the present internal and external situation, it is all the more imperative for us to place our national unity and integrity above any other consideration. We must inculcate unity among our ranks and bring discipline in every aspect of our individual and collective lives. We must further reinforce our faith in Almighty Allah and our inherent intellectual, moral and physical strength and let petty differences be subordinated to higher values of life which demand Unity, Faith and Discipline.
During the past 60 years since its creation, Pakistan, with the grace of Allah Almighty, has made remarkable progress in different socio-economic fields bringing prosperity to the people. During the last few years, under the able leadership of President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz we are firmly marching ahead as a democratic, progressive and a moderate Islamic state. Pakistan is today a country rapidly moving on the path of progress and development. Reforms in all sectors have been successfully introduced and are being implemented. A new direction has been given to our nation’s destiny through “enlightened moderation” in light of the principles given to us by our founding father.
On the external front, the government of Pakistan is committed to peace and security. We want peaceful co-existence with our neighbors and we are sincerely striving for that. Pakistan has always adopted a principled position and through consistent consultations and diplomatic efforts at all levels, stresses the need for a peaceful settlement of the problems faced by the region. Our leadership has tried its best to reduce differences in the international community on issues of dispute and disagreement and it has always believed that the time for diplomacy never ends. You must have noticed the sincere efforts of our leadership for the resolution of various issues in our neighborhood as well as in the Gulf region.
In these days, you will agree with me, Pakistan is witnessing a massive upsurge in economic activity, not seen in our country for several decades. The confidence of domestic as well as foreign investors is gaining new heights on the back of a stable macro-economic environment. Wide-ranging reforms through macro economic policies, financial discipline and consistency and continuity of policies over the last seven years have transformed Pakistan into an exciting and resurgent economy. Today, an investment friendly atmosphere exists in Pakistan due to liberal and attractive incentives provided by the government.
Hence, foreign businessmen and business organizations, as well as Pakistanis living abroad are investing in Pakistan with confidence. Our Saudi brothers have also started taking keen interest in the investment sector of Pakistan. You must have noticed, they are also frequently visiting Pakistan not only for exploring business opportunities, but also for business and actual investment in Pakistan. Insha Allah, you will see in the coming months and years significant increase in Saudi investment in Pakistan.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are old and good friends. Our friendship is all weather and time tested. It has remained constant over six decades and has withstood the vicissitudes of regional and international environment. No doubt, relations between our two countries enjoy permanence as they are rooted in the minds and hearts of our people. These are based not only on the commonality of our national interests but also on a sense of shared destiny. If there were something constant in international relations, the only constant that we could think of is the consistency and strength of our relations with Saudi Arabia.
It is highly gratifying that the leaders of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have always been fully alive to the Islamic injunctions that bind them as well as the people of the two countries in cordial and brotherly relations. The existing profound understanding between the leaders and peoples of the two brotherly states has always been a basis for promoting meaningful and fruitful cooperation in all fields, to our mutual benefit.
During the past six months, our president, prime minister and foreign minister have visited Saudi Arabia. They held meetings with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan and Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal. The leaders of the two countries in their bilateral meetings reaffirmed their keen resolve to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. They discussed the issues that the Muslim Ummah is facing today. They also agreed to prepare strategy for their early resolution.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have a strong relationship and both are working to establish a true economic partnership for development and prosperity. Apart from common faith, our bonds of relationship are based on economic and investment ties. A number of initiatives were discussed during the Joint Ministerial Commission meeting held last month in Riyadh.
The people of Pakistan hold Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in very high esteem. Similarly, our leaders are also well-respected in Saudi Arabia.
During the recent visit of President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, King Abdullah conferred the highest award of Saudi Arabia — the King Abdul Aziz Medallion — on him. President Musharraf is the first head of state of Pakistan who has been honored with this prestigious award.
On this occasion of Pakistan Day I call upon all Pakistanis living in the Kingdom to perform their duties with a sense of complete devotion for the progress and prosperity of this Holy Land.
I request you to remember your commitment to your own beloved country and actively participate in its development.
I would also urge you all to inculcate in yourselves esprit de corps, 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 you must remit your money through normal and proper channels as much as possible because of these remittances our economy has benefited a lot. You represent Pakistan here and you should work for the image building of your beloved country.
Long Live Pakistan.
Long Live Pak-Saudi Arab Friendship
Retired Adm. Shahid Karimullah
Ambassador of Pakistan