Pakistani expatriates joined their hosts in celebrating Saudi Arabia’s 84th National Day.

Speaking at a function organized by the Pakistan Repatriation Council (PRC) to mark the special event, former Saudi diplomat Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi in his presidential remark said: “This is a day of pride and victory not only for Saudis but also for Muslims worldwide.”

Al-Ghamdi recalled attending the first Saudi National Day function in Karachi, Pakistan in 1965 and lauded the Pakistani government’s efforts to make it a memorable occasion.

He also spoke briefly on the history of Saudi Arabia, praising Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for the massive development projects aimed to benefit the locals, expatriates and pilgrims.

He praised the role of the Pakistani community in the country’s development. Al-Ghamdi further took the opportunity to remember the quarter of a million stranded Pakistanis living on the Pak-Bangladeshi border.

He hoped that the problem would be resolved soon and urged the OIC to seek the support of Muslim states to extend financial assistance to Pakistan to help the stranded people.

PRC Convenor Syed Ehsanul Haque also lauded King Abdullah’s vision for the progress of his country to benefit all. He praised the strong ties of Pakistan with Saudi Arabia urging his countrymen to take advantage of the opportunities available in the Kingdom.

He suggested that a Pak-Saudi Strategic commission be established to work in the interest of both countries.

Haque also urged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to reactivate the Rabita Trust (frozen in 2001) and restart the repatriation of the stranded Pakistanis.

Guests and speakers included Shahid Nayeem, Azeez Ahmed, Hamid Islam Khan, Mohammad Tayyab Mosani, Ashfaq Badayuni, Owais Akram, Malik Ali Awan, Sheikh Mohammad Luqman, Shamsuddin Altaf, Mohammad Amanatullah, Akram Agha, Qamar Shah and Fazal Faizi.

The function was conducted by Abdul Qayyum Wasiq, PRC’s general secretary, while Qari Abdul Majeed did a recitation of the Holy Qur’an.