Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrated in Beijing

BEIJING: A flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing on Saturday to celebrate the 75th Independence Day.

The event showcased a patriotic zeal and fervor; wherein, the valiant struggle of the founding fathers was remembered, and homage was paid to the martyrs to win and secure a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent.

The ceremony began with the recitation of the verses from the Holy Quran. Pakistan Ambassador to China Moin ul Haque then raised the national flag to the mesmerising tune of the national anthem.

Deputy head of mission Ahmed Farooq read out the messages of President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Ambassador Haque in his address paid homage to the leaders and activists of the Pakistan Movement and their struggle and sacrifices.

He also paid glowing tributes to the great philosopher and national poet Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who conceived the idea of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent and the Father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who through his unconquerable spirit and charismatic leadership achieved Pakistan.

This year, Pakistan and China were celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which was a very important milestone. The very unique and special relationship has transformed into iron brotherhood and an all-weather strategic partnership.

“China has stood with us in difficult and good times in these seven decades,”he said, and thanked the Chinese government and people for helping Pakistan in the Covid-19 pandemic and for providing very critical vaccines to Pakistan through donations and procurement.

Pakistan finds itself at the threshold of a new era of growth and development, the ambassador said, adding: “We are focusing on geo-economic and trying to make Pakistan an economic hub for economic activity and regional connectivity.”

Ambassador Haque also highlighted the importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which not only have transformed the economic and development landscape in Pakistan but was also contributing to the objective of Pakistan of regional connectivity and linkages.

“Pakistan with its 220 million hardworking and talented people with abundant natural resources, a strong agriculture and industrial base and ideal location is poised to become a leading and emerging economy of the world,” he added.

“It was now our collective duty to fulfill the vision of our leaders to make Pakistan a peaceful and stronger country,” he added.

Ambassador Haque also expressed solidarity with the people of the Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K), who, especially for the last two years, were under inhuman, cruel and illegal lockdown.

Pakistan would continue its diplomatic, political and moral support for the Kashmir cause and called upon the international community to help resolve this longstanding dispute.

The students of the Pakistan Embassy College Beijing (PECB) attired in the traditional and national dresses mesmerised the participants with their patriotic songs.

All officers and staff of the embassy along with their families, members of the Pakistani community, students, and media attended the ceremony.