ON the auspicious occasion of the 67th Independence Day, I wish to extend my sincere, warm and heartiest felicitation to all Pakistanis in the Kingdom as well as to those living in Pakistan and other foreign countries.

August 14, is a reminder of numerous sacrifices rendered by our forefathers for a separate homeland for Muslims in South Asia. A homeland, which must provide equal opportunities to all its inhabitants regardless of their race, color or religion. We must pay homage to our elders and acknowledge their devotion and commitment to Pakistan.

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is undoubtedly a reward of the democratic struggle waged under the heroic and dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Pakistan, therefore, remains committed to the ideals of democracy, constitutionalism, equality and justice. The resolve of our nation to continue on the path of democracy is unswerving. It is, indeed, in line with the remarks of Quaid-i-Azam that "the Almighty has taught us that our decisions in the affairs of state shall be guided by discussions and consultations."

The current political landscape in Pakistan promises hope and optimism. The recent smooth transfer of power from one democratic government to another elucidates the maturity of all political parties and the strengthening of democratic values. The newly elected government under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed Nawaz Sharif is determined to formulate and pursue policies aimed at the economic uplift of the people, eradication of terrorism and strengthening of Pakistan's relations with all countries including all its neighbors on the basis of mutual respect and equality.

As an independent and sovereign state, Pakistan's over six decades' journey has not been without challenges. We have fought defensive wars to preserve our sovereignty and independence. We have struggled relentlessly against poverty, illiteracy and intolerance. We have strived to counter designs of terrorist groups to impose their ideologies on the free world. We have also pursued a robust agenda to improve and strengthen economic and financial discipline.

Pakistan's sacrifices are well known, well documented and well acknowledged. Through our actions, we have proved that we are a nation that knows no flinching in the face of challenges or threats. We are a nation that stands by freedom, justice and tolerance in the face of aggression, violence and hostility.

We are a nation that promotes and advocates friendly relations among nations based on the principles of political equality, non-discrimination and shared socio-economic prosperity.

I gratefully acknowledge support and cooperation extended by brotherly Saudi Arabia to Pakistan in times of joys and sorrows since its inception. In fact, few countries in the world are as close as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. We are two sides of one coin. We are parts of the same body and if one is hurt the other also feels the pain. Our fraternal relations are based on unanimity of views on all international and regional issues. Both countries always endeavor to further enrich this relationship by breaking new political, strategic, economic and cultural grounds. We both are determined to work jointly to preserve our sovereignty and maintain peace and security at the regional and the international levels.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s recent statement that Saudi Arabia’s security is Pakistan’s red line is a testimony to this historical relationship.

The love and affection of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for Pakistanis and Pakistan is very well known and beyond any doubt. He has always supported Pakistan and has given special dispensation to Pakistani expatriates living in the Kingdom.

Pakistani community in the Kingdom is one of the strongest links in our relationship with the Kingdom.

The devotion and contribution of the community to the socio-economic development of both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is particularly praiseworthy. I am confident that through their diligence and sincerity, the members of our community will continue to add new dimensions to fraternal relations, which exist between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Long live Pakistan

Long Live Pakistan-Saudi Arabia friendship.

Aftab A. Khokher

Consul General of Pakistan