Expats celebrate ‘Pakistan Day’
After flag-hoisting, messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out to the community gathered at the embassy
MUSCAT: Pakistani community in Oman celebrated its 76th Pakistan Day on Wednesday with a host of events and activities, starting with a flag-hoisting and cake-cutting ceremony on the Embassy of Pakistan premises.
Naheed Naveed Atif, charge d’affaires, Embassy of Pakistan, unfurled the flag to mark the historic occasion.
Pakistanis across the world celebrate the day, which marks the Pakistan Resolution, passed on March 23, 1940, presenting the idea of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent. In just seven years that dream became a reality in the form of Pakistan, which came into being on the fateful day of August 14, 1947.
After the flag-hoisting, messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out to the community gathered at the embassy.
Quoting President Mamnoon Hussain, Chaudhry Shaukat Ali, counsellor at the Embassy of Pakistan, said: “Let me remind you on this important occasion that the key to Pakistan’s stability and development lies in democracy. Therefore, it is essential to promote the spirit of tolerance and patience, which are the fundamentals of democracy so that the existing challenges of extremism and terrorism can be overcome by the nation.”
Reading from Prime Minister Muhammed Nawaz Sharif ’s message, Naheed Naveed Atif said: “On this occasion we reiterate our resolve to ensure freedom, equality and social justice for every citizen of Pakistan as enshrined in the teachings of Islam. Our government has taken landmark initiatives to safeguard the minorities living in Pakistan and empower Pakistani women. Our endeavours are aimed at mainstreaming the marginalised segments of our society as we believe that each and every Pakistani is an equal citizen of the land.”
After the brief ceremony in the embassy compound, people moved to the Consular Hall for a traditional cake-cutting ceremony. The guests were then treated to traditional Pakistani snacks and refreshments.
Another colourful celebration was hosted by Pakistan School Muscat. Muhammed Adnan Shahzad, chairman, Board of Directors, Pakistan School System in Oman, Ataullah Niazi, senior principal, and Khalid Jadoon, PSM principal, welcomed Naheed Naveed, who was the chief guest.
Reception
In the evening, the Embassy of Pakistan hosted a grand Pakistan Day reception at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which was attended by a number of Omani ministers, high-ranking government officials, ambassadors, local dignitaries and a large number of prominent members of the Pakistani community. The ministers who were present included Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Salmi, minister of awqaf and religious affairs, Dr Mohammed bin Hamed Al Rumhy, minister of oil and gas and Khalid bin Omar bin Saeed Al Marhoon, minister of civil services. Nasser bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Busaidi, chief of protocol department, ministry of foreign affairs, Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi, commander of Royal Navy of Oman, and members of the State Council and Majlis Al Shura were also present.