Pakistan Day celebrated with fervour in Oman

The event marks two occasions, including the Lahore declaration of March 23, 1940 as well as Republic day of March 23, 1956

Times News Service

MUSCAT: Pakistan Day was celebrated in Oman by expats from the South Asian country on Friday.

To mark the annual March 23 celebrations in Oman, a Pakistani Navy Ship (PNS) was commissioned.

Pakistan Day marks two occasions, including the Lahore declaration of March 23, 1940 that sought a separate independent Pakistani state, as well as Republic day of March 23, 1956 when Pakistan adopted its constitution, becoming the world’s first Islamic republic. “This is the first time that a Pakistan Navy Ship was exclusively commissioned for this purpose. Deputy Head of Mission Salam Athar and Captain of PNS Alamgir met with Omani dignitaries in Salalah,” said Pakistan’s ambassador to Oman, Ali Javed.

“We had also held a diplomatic reception for Pakistan Day celebrations in Salalah on 21 March. As many as 200 guests participated in the diplomatic reception, including representatives of the government of Oman and the Sultan’s Armed Forces,” he added.

Pakistan Day was also celebrated at the Pakistan Chapter of the Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) Club.

“There were 1,200 visitors who were served a barbecue. It was delightful to witness a troupe from Pakistan School Seeb who presented the cultural dress and dance of four provinces in Pakistan, besides singing and performing the Omani national anthem,” Pakistan Ambassador Javed said.

Pakistan Day was also celebrated at Pakistan School Muscat (PSM). The evening was marked by recitation of verses of the Holy Quran, supplications for the prosperity of Pakistan, speeches in both Urdu and English, besides performances and a painting competition. Moreover, a documentary about the Lahore Resolution was shown on a large screen.

Sami Al Yousafi, head of Admin and HR at Majan University and College, Muscat, attended as the Chief Guest. Chairman of the Board of Directors, Abdul Ahad Nazir, Vice Chairman Farhan Ghafoor and other board members accompanied him at the ceremony.

Full story @ timesofoman.com/oman