Ayaz Muhammad Khan, charge d'affaires at the Pakistani Embassy, hoisted the national flag in the Saudi capital.
On top of the National Day celebrations, the news of Pakistan winning the battle of nerves in a World Cup cricket match against West Indies uplifted the nationalist mood. A number of community leaders expressed happiness and congratulated each other.
Speaking on the occasion, Ayaz Khan shared his greetings with his compatriots and said that Pakistan has been rapidly developing and providing great opportunities to foreign investors.
“The country is on the path of democracy,” said Khan, adding that Islamabad has several advantages because of its geostrategic location. “The total number of Pakistani expatriates exceeds 1.5 million, something that contributes to strengthen our relations with the Kingdom.”
In Jeddah, Consul General Abdul Salik Khan unfurled the national flag at his residence. Speaking on the occasion, Khan said the day reminds “us of the sacrifices of our forefathers to make Pakistan a strong, prosperous and progressive country.” He said the people of Pakistan have demonstrated remarkable resilience, courage and resolve in the face of various regional and international challenges.
The messages of Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani were read out at the embassy as well as at the consulate functions.
