On the auspicious occasion of the Independence Day of Pakistan, I take great pleasure to extend warmest felicitations to the members of our community living in Saudi Arabia and all around the world.

The idea of Pakistan, a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent where they could lead their lives according to their faith and aspirations, was conceived by our national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

The Muslims under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah transformed Iqbal’s dream into reality.

Pakistan came into being on this day, Aug. 14 in 1947. We are celebrating the 69th independence day of Pakistan today.

Pakistan is home to around 190 million people today. It is a progressive, moderate and democratic state.

It has an active parliament, independent judiciary, free media and a vibrant society.

The economy of Pakistan has shown an upward trend in the recent past.

The economic growth has accelerated, per capita income increased, foreign reserves multiplied, foreign investment increased, inflation dropped to single digit and stock market has shown positive trend.

The country’s exports have increased and international trade expanded.

Pakistan enjoys warm fraternal relations with Saudi Arabia.

These relations are based on mutual aspirations of the people of the two countries.

The people of Pakistan hold the leadership of Saudi Arabia in high esteem. Likewise the leadership of Pakistan is equally respected in the Kingdom.

President Mamnoon Hussain visited Saudi Arabia in July this year.

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif paid four visits to the Kingdom since January this year.

These visits will go a long way in strengthening our existing fraternal relations.

The presence of over two million Pakistanis in the Kingdom is a bridge of friendship between the two countries.

They are contributing toward the economic development of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Our large pool of trained and experienced doctors, engineers, bankers and other processionals is an asset not only for Pakistan but for Saudi Arabia as well.

I would urge all my fellow Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia to work with commitment and dedication in their respective professions and respect the laws of the land.

I join my Pakistani brethren in praying that Pakistan-Saudi relations continue to grow from strength to strength.

Long Live Pakistan.

Long Live Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Friendship.

— Manzoor Ul Haq, Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia