RIYADH/JEDDAH, 15 August 2007 — Pakistani expatriates across Saudi Arabia joined their counterparts back home and elsewhere in the world to celebrate 60th anniversary of their country’s independence with great fervor and enthusiasm.
Flag hoisting ceremonies were presided over by Ambassador retired Adm. Shahid Karimullah at the embassy in Riyadh and Consul General Zaigham Uddin Azam at the consulate in Jeddah.
Messages of President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz were read out by both.
The ambassador in his address highlighted the importance of the day and reminded the community that it had a glorious past and a future that commensurates with the golden principles of unity faith and discipline. “These principles can lead us toward an ideal society of tolerance, happiness and peace and a path toward fulfilling our aspirations for justice, equal rights and fruits of development and progress.”
He said that both the president and prime minister had led the country to a progressive democracy, steady economic development and, above all, a modern and contemporary approach to solve the problems of the people.
The ambassador also highlighted the recent developments like judicial crisis, war against terror, Lal Masjid event and foreign policy.
“Steps have been taken by the embassy for the welfare of the community including opening of NADRA and trade offices in Alkhobar,” he said. He referred to the growing fraternal ties between the two countries.
“The Pakistani community in the Kingdom has for decades worked with great zeal and dedication toward the progress and economic development of Saudi Arabia,” he said and hoped that they would continue to abide by the rules and regulations of the country of their residence.
The consul general in his address urged the community to remain united and work together for the glory, solidarity and prosperity of the country.
He called on them to ignore linguistic, regional, racial, political and sectarian differences and work with devotion and dedication according to the tenets of Islam.
