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

This day has a special significance for the people of Pakistan.

On March 23, 1940, a historic resolution was adopted in a meeting in Lahore.

The Muslims of the subcontinent demanded a separate homeland for themselves where they could lead their lives according to their faith and aspirations.

The Muslims under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah were able to achieve this goal in a short span of seven years.

Pakistan came into being on August 14, 1947.

Pakistan is home to around 180 million people today.

It is a modern, 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 exchange reserves doubled in the past year, inflation has dropped and stock market has shown positive trend.

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

Pakistan is an important member of the international community.

It enjoys very warm fraternal relations with Saudi Arabia.

The relations between the two countries are based on common aspirations of the people of the two countries.

The recent visit of Prime Minister Muhammed Nawaz Sharif will go a long way in strengthening our bilateral ties.

The people of Pakistan show great respect and reverence for Saudi Arabia and hold The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in high esteem.

The presence of over 2 million Pakistanis in the Kingdom is a source of strength for the friendship between the two countries.

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

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

Long live Pakistan Saudi friendship.

— Manzoor Ul Haq, Ambassador of Pakistan