QUETTA, Mar 23 (APP):Pakistan Day was celebrated with national zeal and enthusiasm
in the provincial capital and other parts of Balochistan with the resolve to
make joint efforts to make country a peaceful and economically blooming
country.
The main programmes and ceremonies of the Pakistan Day were
held at Ayyub Stadium, Governor House and Askari Park in Quetta and
Quaid-e-Azam Residency, Ziarat.
Several processions were taken out by government
organizations, political parties, students and civil society organisations in
the provincial capital and other towns and cities of the province.
The day started with a gun salute. Later, Governor, Chief
Minister and other high ups hoisted National Flag at Governor House,
Balochistan Assembly and at other important government installations.
A festival was also arranged at Askari Park where military
equipment, modern weapons and other items were displayed for the public. Civil
Aviation planes presented fly-past. Students of various girls and boys schools
sang national songs and presented different programmes on the occasion.
Tight security measures were seen all around and many instances of traffic jams owing
to closure of main thoroughfares of the provincial capital was the common
scene.
Like all parts of the country, rallies were taken out in Balochistan including Quetta,
Chaman, Khuzdar, Lasbella, Nasirabad, Jaffarabad, Zhob, Loralai, Pishin and Sibi in
connection with Pakistan Day celebrations.
Balochistan
The rally was taken out from Sariab Road which was led by BMM leader Shams Mengal. Shams
Mengal addressing the participants of the rally said that Pakistan Day had historical importance in freedom struggle of Muslims
for their seperate homeland.
He said that our Party leaders and youth members raised voice against terrorism and Indian
agents with the purpose of strengthening of the country. Participants also raised
slogans like, “Long live Pakistan”.
Another rally was also taken out to mark 78th Pakistan
Day by Sulaimankhel Tribal Council (STC) and citizens.
The leader of the rally Muhammad Naeem said that our
forefathers and leaders had given sacrifices for freedom of the country and
adding that freedom is great blessing of Allah Almighty and they should respect
dignity and blessing of freedom.
Frontier Corps (FC) held a ceremonies and rallies in different
areas of Balochistan including
FC headquarter Quetta, Kalat, Nushki, Khuzdar, Gwadar, Pajgoor and other area to
celebrate Paksitan Day.
The rally was taken from Deputy Commissioner Office which was
led by Deputy Commissioner Nasirabad Diya Sar Khan Bazai, Assistant Deputy
Commissioner Badal Khan Dashti to celebrate Pakistan Day and he also
highlighted importance of Pakistan Day and its history.

ISLAMABAD, March 23 (APP):Embassy of Pakistan in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday commenced a colorful ceremony to celebrate the National Day of Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Mushahidullah Khan, chairing the ceremony as a chief guest, highlighted the significance of Pakistan’s creation and the sacrifices rendered by the people during the Pakistan Movement, a press release received here said.
He said now it was time to strengthen ourselves in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah – father of the Nation.
He also appreciated the efforts of Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed in Bangkok for organizing such a colorful event on this auspicious occasion.
A large number of Pakistani community residing in Thailand participated in the celebration.

ISLAMABAD, March 23 (APP):The Pakistan Day was marked with flag hoisting ceremony at the Pakistan High Commission London.
A large number of people including mayors, councillors, community leaders, members of Pakistani diaspora, officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, British friends of Pakistan, a delegation of Pakistan Peace Collective, students and representatives of media attended the ceremony, a message received here on Friday said.
Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, Syed Ibne Abbas, hoisted the national flag and the messages of president and prime minister of Pakistan were read out.
He, in his address to the community, shed light on the importance of Pakistan Day as the turning point in our national history.
He paid tributes to the Quaid-e-Azam and other founding fathers, who, through their unwavering resolve and visionary leadership brought the Muslims of the sub-continent at one platform and created a separate homeland for them.
Giving an overview of Pakistan, he said, “Despite challenges, Pakistan is moving forward and narrative of Pakistan is changing fast. Due to the economic reforms agenda of the government, the economy is growing at the rate of 5.6%, which is likely to touch the figure of 6% next year. The foreign investors are showing keen interest in Pakistan. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is a game changer with $62 billion investment portfolio, that would not only benefit Pakistan but would bring about regional economic integration.”
“Security of Pakistan has significantly improved, and I pay tribute to our government, civil and armed law enforcement agencies, and the resilient people of Pakistan to successfully face the challenge of terrorism.”
On Pakistan-UK relations, the high commissioner underscored the importance of deep rooted bilateral ties, and informed that constant stream of high level visits from UK to Pakistan is another manifestation of our mutually beneficial relations.
However, he said despite our excellent bilateral relations the UK sponsored the recent move to put Pakistan on the Grey List Financial Action Task Force (FATF). This is a matter of a grave concern for Pakistan, he added.
He called upon the diaspora to connect with their local MPs and effectively put across Pakistan’s point of view on important issues.
On this occasion, he thanked the community for their unified stance over anti-Pakistan campaign on London Taxis and digital billboards last year.
The high commissioner also shared the details of the last year’s celebrations for the 70th Independence Anniversary of Pakistan organised by the Mission and thanked the community for their full participation in the celebrations.
He also commended the role of the community in development and progress of Pakistan and the UK.
Another challenge for Pakistan, he said, is ceasefire violations by India across Line of Control and working Boundary, due to which a large number of innocent lives have been lost.
He said, “During 2017, India violated the ceasefire 1970 times while in less than three months of this year these violations have already been 400.”
He said the Indian provocations could jeopardise the peace of the entire region. Therefore, he suggested both countries to resolve the outstanding issues including the Kashmir dispute through dialogue.
He reiterated Pakistan’s continuous political, diplomatic and moral support for the just cause of the Kashmiri people.
On this occasion, local singers Durdana Ansari OBE and Sarah Peters presented the popular national songs and thrilled the audience. Shakeel Khan’s new national song was also launched during the ceremony and was received with huge applause.
The guests were served with traditional Pakistani brunch. Similar events were held at other four consulates of Pakistan in Birmingham, Bradford, Glasgow and Manchester.

ISLAMABAD, March 23 (APP):The National Day of Pakistan was celebrated with national spirit and great fervor at the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing to mark the passing of Pakistan Resolution on March 23, 1940.
The ceremony of Pakistan Day commenced with the recitation of verses from Holy Quran. Ambassador of Pakistan Masood Khalid raised the national flag and gradually hoisted it to the mast’s summit, with the invigorating tune of the national anthem, a message received here Friday said.
He read out messages of the president and prime minister of Pakistan. He urged the Pakistani community to unite in order to achieve the national milestones.
He also urged Pakistani community to bring honour to the country and realize the dreams of the founding fathers to attain glory for Pakistan.
He highlighted the importance of Pakistan-China friendship and said that both countries share the dream of development, peace and security in the region.
Masood Khalid said the bond of friendship between Pakistan and China has withstood the test of time through mutual trust and support. Students from Pakistan Embassy College, Beijing presented national songs.
The ceremony was attended by Pakistani community in China. Similar flag hoisting ceremonies were also held at Pakistani consulates in Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
In order to celebrate the occasion, a grand National Day reception will also be held by the embassy later in the evening at a local hotel.

ISLAMABAD, March 23 (APP):A flag hoisting ceremony was held in the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, Bangladesh to commemorate the 78th National Day of Pakistan.
The national anthem of Pakistan was played while the Charge d’ Affaires, Shah Faisal Kakar, hoisted the national flag. The messages of the president and prime minister of Pakistan were read out, a message received here Friday said.
Kakar, in his speech, greeted and felicitated the Pakistani community members on the auspicious occasion of the Pakistan Day.
He emphasized the need for following the golden principles of “Faith, Unity and Discipline” as laid down by the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
He remarked that March 23 is a day of retrospection and rejuvenation of our resolve to serve our beloved country. He also highlighted the achievements of the current government, especially mentioning about the ongoing CPEC flagship project which will not only be a game-changer but also a fate-changer for the region and beyond.
The Charge d’ Affaires hosted the Pakistan Day Reception which was attended by Head of missions, diplomats, local dignitaries.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 23 (APP):The Consulate General of Pakistan and the Pakistani community based in Jeddah celebrated the 78th National Day of Pakistan with traditional fervour and resolve to make Pakistan a strong, vibrant, progressive and democratic welfare state.
The National Day of Pakistan is celebrated every year on the 23rd March to commemorate the outstanding achievement of the Muslims of Sub-Continent who passed the historic “Pakistan Resolution” on this day at Lahore in 1940 which culminated in creation of Pakistan after 7 years.
The Consul General Mr. Shehryar Akbar Khan hoisted the national flag of Pakistan in presence of smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan army and Pakistan Navy, held at the residence of the Consul General in Jeddah, said a message received from Jeddah embassy. Later, the Ms Fouzia Fayyaz, Consul read out the message of President and Deputy Consul General Mr. Shaiq Bhutto read out the message of Prime Minister to the audience.
In his address the Consul General Shehryar Akbar Khan congratulated Pakistani community on the occasion. He said that the economy of Pakistan’s is growing at a good pace and the Pakistani expatriates have a very significant role in this growth. He said that 2.7 million Pakistanis people living in Saudi Arabia are dynamic part of this community and they have played a major role in promoting relations with Saudi Arabia.
He said that terrorism from Pakistan has been completely eliminated by the hard work of defense forces and law enforcement agencies and the will of the people. Today, a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan is an important destination for foreign investors. China’s Pakistan Economic Corridor is an important example where foreign investors, including Saudi Arabia are eying to participate.
The Consul General said that our community is our strength and the consulate is providing the best possible services to the community. Last year on average 4000 Pakistanis were provide services on daily basis. Dues of overseas Pakistanis worth Rs 680 million were recovered through labor courts while 85 million were recovered through Sharia courts.
Later school children’s played national songs and local poets presented their poetry on Pakistan Day celebration.
Consul General also cut Pakistan Day cake with the children who had come to attend the event.
Pakistan Consulate Jeddah also organized a reception in Jeddah to celebrate the Pakistan Day. Director General Saudi Foreign Ministry, Mecca Region Jamal Bakar al-Balkhoyor was the Chief Guest at the occasion. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Khan Hasham bin Saddique and Consul General Pakistan in Jeddah Shehryar Akbar Khan also attended the ceremony. There was a large number of embassies, Saudi officials and Pakistani communities on this occasion. Consulate General of the other countries, besides China, America, South Africa, Turkey, Italy, Japan, Egypt, Jordan, Sri Lanka, and Brunei also attended the ceremony. The ceremony started with the national anthems of both countries.
Pakistan Ambassador Khan Hasham bin Siddique welcomed the guests at the event. Addressing the audience, he congratulated all Pakistani communities on Pakistan’s National Day. He said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are tied in a close and multifaceted brotherly relationship which enjoys support from people on both sides.

ISLAMABAD, March 23 (APP):National Day of Pakistan was celebrated at the Embassy of Pakistan in Cairo on Friday.
To mark the Day, a flag hoisting ceremony was held at embassy premises in which Pakistani community residing in Egypt and representatives of local print and electronic media also participated, a press released received here said.
The messages of president and prime minister of Pakistan, on the occasion, were read out to the audience.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of Pakistan in Cairo, Mushtaq Ali Shah highlighted the significance of Lahore Resolution in the Independence of Pakistan.
He also appreciated the role being played by the Pakistani community in Egypt in promoting mutual trust and understanding between the peoples of two countries.
The children of Pakistan International School Cairo (PISC) presented Milli Naghma on the occasion. Madame ambassador distributed gifts among the children of school and community.
In the evening, a reception was held at a local hotel which was attended by the local dignitaries, senior officials and members of diplomatic corps.