Flag hoisting ceremony organized by Embassy of Pakistan
On the eve of 80th Independence Day of Pakistan, a flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Embassy of Pakistan, Beirut which was attended by members of the Pakistani community and the Embassy staff and their families. The event also saw the participation of Lebanese citizens from various walks of life, reflecting the strong bond of friendship between Pakistan and Lebanon.
The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by the Ambassador of Pakistan. Messages from the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were also read, highlighting the significance of the day and the nation's commitment to its founding principles.
Mr. Salman Athar, Ambassador of Pakistan to Lebanon, in his remarks, paid rich tribute to the founding fathers of Pakistan, acknowledging their sacrifices in securing a homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent. Ambassador Athar also underlined the last year events surrounding Marka-e-Haq which demonstrated that Pakistan seeks peace, but also possesses the resolve and capacity to defend its sovereignty and national interests. The Ambassador paid tribute to the martyrs of Pakistani Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and police and the valuable sacrifices of their families.
On Pakistan-Lebanon relations, the Ambassador mentioned that both countries enjoy close fraternal relations in bilateral and multilateral spheres, underpinned by shared perceptions on several international issues. He hoped that the bilateral relations between the two countries would continue to grow in the years ahead.
The Ambassador also expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), and reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering moral, political and diplomatic support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir until the realization of their legitimate right to self-determination. He called upon the international community to take notice of the massive human rights violations in IIOJK and urged for a just resolution of the long-standing dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions
At the end, special prayers were offered for progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
