NEW YORK, Aug 15 (APP):The Pakistani national flag, featuring the iconic crescent and star, was hoisted at Pakistan House in New York to celebrate Pakistan's 80th Independence Day. Pakistan's Ambassador to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, unfurled the flag as the national anthem was played. Pakistan's Consul General in New York, Aamer Ahmad Atozai, the Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, officers and staff of the …
Ambassador Asim spotlights Pakistan’s global mediation efforts at Independence Day event in New York
NEW YORK, Aug 15 (APP):The Pakistani national flag, featuring the iconic crescent and star, was hoisted at Pakistan House in New York to celebrate Pakistan’s 80th Independence Day.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, unfurled the flag as the national anthem was played.
Pakistan’s Consul General in New York, Aamer Ahmad Atozai, the Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, officers and staff of the Mission and the Consulate, and their families attended the ceremony, according to a press release of the Pakistan Mission..
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Asim Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, called for renewed commitment to Pakistan’s founding ideals, national sovereignty, peace, security and socio-economic development.
He paid tributes to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, describing him as an extraordinary leader, a visionary and a statesman who not only led the struggle for freedom but also guided the creation of a sovereign state.
““Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Mohammad Ali Jinnah did all three,” he said, citing the Quaid’s biographer, Stanley Wolpert.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s journey since 14 August 1947, the Ambassador highlighted the resilience, courage and achievements of the Pakistani people across diverse fields, which were achieved against the heaviest of the odds.
He paid tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces for their valour in safeguarding the country and protecting its people, noting the strength demonstrated in defending Pakistan’s borders during the May 2025 conflict with India.
Ambassador Asim Ahmad also highlighted the achievements of Pakistanis around the world, including as innovators, athletes, artists and women who continue to bring pride to the country through their contributions. He particularly acknowledged the presence and contributions of Ms. Saima Saleem and Ms. Aleena Majeed, whose work at the Permanent Mission continues to serve as an inspiration.
Pakistan, he said, had overcome significant structural and economic challenges since its independence and continued to demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity. Referring to Pakistan’s mediatory role in the Iran conflict, he said that, amid the recent global instability and conflict, Pakistan had remained committed to finding pathways towards peace and stability.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong moral, political and diplomatic support for the people in Jammu and Kashmir, and for the freedom and rights of Palestinian brothers and sisters.
THe Pakistani envoy emphasized the need for continued efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen Pakistan’s economic and developmental progress.
Addressing the children attending the ceremony, he emphasized that they represented the future of Pakistan and underscored the collective responsibility to create a country that would continue to “shine bright forever.”
Concluding his remarks, the Permanent Representative extended his warmest wishes to all Pakistanis on the 79th Independence Day and called for renewed unity, responsibility and commitment to the ideals upon which Pakistan was founded.
Speaking on the occasion, Consul General Aamer Ahmad Atozai paid rich tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement, and all those whose sacrifices made independence possible.
Emphasizing that freedom is both a legacy and a responsibility, he underscored the enduring relevance of Quaid-e-Azam’s principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline. He highlighted the Pakistani nation’s resilience, unity and determination to safeguard its sovereignty and national interests while remaining committed to peace, dialogue and diplomacy.
He also paid special tribute to the Pakistani-American community for its outstanding contributions to the United States and its continued support for Pakistan through remittances, investment, philanthropy, knowledge and expertise, describing the community as a vital bridge between Pakistan and the United States.
The Consul General called for the Independence Day to serve not only as a celebration but also as a renewal of the collective commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous, inclusive and strong Pakistan where its youth can realize their aspirations and the country can continue to stand with dignity and pride in the comity of nations.
Earlier, the Mission and consulate officials — Zulifqar Ali, Umar Sheikh and Muhammad Faheem — read out the messages of the President, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan. Counsellor Jawad Ajmal conducted the proceedings of the flag-hoisting ceremony.
The event concluded with a ceremony in which Ambassador Asim Ahmad, joined by the Consul General Atozai, the Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Jadoon, and children, in cutting a cake to celebrate the Independence Day.
