Ambassador Umar Khan Alisherzai unfurled the national flag at a largely attended ceremony held at the embassy in Riyadh and read out messages of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani.
“This day reminds us of the struggle and sacrifices of our forefathers for a separate homeland. Now, it’s our responsibility to make it an enlightened and strong welfare state,” the ambassador said. He added that the challenges we face today demand that we should remain united.
“Pakistan has been put on the path of democracy and is rapidly progressing. Its contribution for world peace and security is tremendous, and the world has appreciated our sacrifices,” he said.
The ambassador said the 1.5 million Pakistani community is playing a vital role in the development of the Kingdom and is also a source of precious foreign exchange that is vital for Pakistan’s economic development, he said and urged the community to invest in Pakistan and remit their earnings through banking channels.
“It’s unfortunate that the country is hit by the worst flood that has taken thousands of lives and destroyed property, aside from agriculture and communications. The government alone cannot cope with this situation and it needs your support,” the ambassador said.
He called upon Pakistani community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to fulfill their obligations toward their brethren who were in distress in Pakistan. He added that the donors can deposit their contributions in the PM’s relief fund. They can also deposit their donations with the designated officers at the embassy, which will be transferred subsequently to the PM relief fund,” he said.
Pakistan’s national carrier PIA will also transport donations in material forms free of cost and the embassy will provide all needed guidance and support in this regard.
Consul General Abdul Salik Khan hoisted the national flag at the consulate and read out the messages from the president and the prime minister.
