JEDDAH/RIYADH, 24 March 2007 — Pakistanis celebrated their National Day yesterday with great enthusiasm and fervor. The main functions were held in the embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah.
In Riyadh, an impressive function at the embassy marked the Pakistan Day celebrations. Ambassador retired Adm. Shahid Karimullah hoisted the national flag.
Speaking on the occasion, the ambassador called on the members of the Pakistani community to keep the interests of the country foremost.
He urged them to help in the progress and prosperity of the country by remitting money through the banking channel.
In Jeddah, breaking from tradition, Consul General Masood Akhtar hoisted the national flag at a ceremony held at the Pakistan International School, (English section), to mark the day.
The school was chosen as the venue for the function this year to enable a large number of people to attend the ceremony. Over 700 Pakistanis, including consulate officials, school staff and students were present.
Vice Consul Murad Ali read President Pervez Musharraf’s message while Vice Consul Hasan Masood read out Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz’s message. Another official, Rizwan Ahmad, conducted the proceedings.
The consul general spoke about the importance of women empowerment. The function began with the recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Ahmad Ali Shah, a student of the school.
On the eve of the National Day on Thursday, a cultural program was organized in the school auditorium attended by some 800 people.
On the occasion, Principal Esar Shah, Director Finance and Administration Sehar Kamran and Vice Principal Yasmin Suleman were given mementoes by the consul general for their outstanding performances and contribution to the school.
This was followed by consul general’s address in which he highlighted the importance of March 23. He stressed the need for unity among Muslims. “Unity is the key to all achievements. We created a nation through unity. We must remain united to ensure its development and growth.”
He said that when he assumed charge in Jeddah, schools were his No. 1 priority. “I feel happy to say that with the active participation of the community we have been able to improve the facilities in our schools, particularly at the English Section,” Masood said. He said that the excellent results in ‘O’ levels testify to what we have done.
After his speech, nursery students sang “Is Parcham Ke Saye Tale,” drawing huge applause. Class IV students performed “Main Bhi Pakistan Hoon, Tu Bhi Pakistan Hai.”
One of the attractions of the glittering evening was dance and song by Class V girl students based on popular number of Hadeeqa Kiyani, “Man Di Mauj,” dedicated to the cause of Kashmir.
The evening reached its crescendo when popular Ghazal singer and grandson of Allama Iqbal, Azad Iqbal, rendered some of the choicest ghazal of Iqbal, Faiz and Ghalib.
He dedicated one of his ghazals to the school “Lab Pe Ati Hai Dua Ban Ke Tamanna Meri, amid thunderous applause. His rendition “Mujse Pehli Si Mohabbat Mere Mehboob Na Mang” was equally liked.
