Umar Khan Alisherzai was unfurling the national flag on the occasion of the country’s National Day on Tuesday in Riyadh.
He said that India should honor its commitments and abide by UN resolutions to restore peace in Kashmir and the subcontinent at large. He commended the efforts of the Pakistani Army in containing terrorism in the region.
Ceremonies were held simultaneously at the Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh and at the consul general’s residence in Jeddah. Messages from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani were also read out.
Alisherzai said that Pakistan has been put on the path of democracy and rapidly progressing.
“Pakistan’s contributions toward peace and security in the world were tremendous and the world has appreciated our sacrifices,” he said. He claimed that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are tied in unbreakable fraternal bonds of religion, history and culture, adding the Pakistani community in the Kingdom was playing an important role in the economic development of both countries.
The ambassador hosted a reception on Tuesday night at Tuwaiq Palace in Riyadh.
In Jeddah, Consul General Abdul Salik Khan repeated the same message. “I hope that industrious and enterprising members of our community will continue to serve the Kingdom with full vigor and sincerity. We must keep in mind that the strengths and achievements of our Saudi brothers and sisters are the strengths and achievements of our own,” he said.
A cultural show was also held in Jeddah in the evening, attended by a large number of the Pakistani community as well as dignitaries and diplomats from friendly countries.
