US Secretary of State John Kerry renewed the US commitment to strengthen partnership with Pakistan on the country's 69 Independence Day, lauding efforts to achieve the goals of economic prosperity and strengthen democratic institutions. "On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send our best wishes to the people and the government of Pakistan as you celebrate your Independence Day," he said in his message.
He commended the indomitable spirit, resilience, and sacrifices of all Pakistanis in their pursuit of goals of economic prosperity and strengthening democratic traditions, saying we remember the sacrifice of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and all of Pakistan founders, who dedicated their lives for their country. Separately, at the Pakistan embassy in Washington, Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani performed the flag hoisting ceremony attended by a large number of Pakistanis and other officials.
Ambassador Jilani read the messages of the President and the Prime Minister and also cut the cake, especially made with white-green colour of the Pakistani flag to mark the day. "Today is a day of self-accountability too. We will have to ponder over as to what mistakes we committed in the past that we have lagged behind our contemporary nations," the ambassador quoted from the Prime Minister message.
In his remarks, the ambassador said he was honoured to perform the flag-hoisting ceremony to mark the Independence Day of Pakistan which is not just a name of the country but reflects a passion and a mission. Despite facing numerous problems, the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has set the direction of the country, taking it on the path of peace and prosperity, he added. He said the world reaction to the Pakistan achievements, as being widely reported in the media, is proof of the fact that the country was moving in the right direction. He especially mentioned a recent article published by a prestigious American magazine Forbes, which stressed on the US entrepreneurs to benefit from Pakistan growing economic achievements. He said that in terms of purchasing power, Pakistan ranked 26th in the world.
The ambassador urged the entrepreneurs from the large Pakistani American community to invest in Pakistan and benefit from the lucrative incentives being offered by the government. He said they would have to take the lead in making investment in Pakistan. He said why the US businessmen would invest in Pakistan, if the Pakistanis themselves would not do it. He informed the audience that the embassy will hold a convention on October.
3 in Washington DC, in which proposals will be sought from the Pakistani American community to improve the working of the embassy as well as opportunity for the community to invest in Pakistan. The flag-hoisting ceremony was also attended by the delegation of Pakistan high court judges, currently on a visit to the United States. Later, the ambassador gave away certificates among the interns, mostly college and university students, after the completion of 2-month internship at the embassy.
The Independence Day of Pakistan was also observed in Chicago with traditional zeal and fervour. Over 500 people turned out for the flag-hoisting Ceremony at the Daley Plaza Center. The Secretary of State of Illinois Mr Jesse White attended the event as Chief Guest and in his address to the audience congratulated the Government and people of Pakistan on behalf of the US Government.
He also lauded the services of 250,000 strong Pakistani-American community living in the Midwest in building bridges between the two countries. Consul General of Pakistan Faisal Niaz Tirmizi also congratulated the Pakistani American community of Midwest. He briefed the attendees about the steady uphill trajectory pursued by Pakistan towards progress and prosperity during the last year. He dilated upon the improved security situation in the country and the targets achieved by the Armed Forces of Pakistan in combat against terrorism. Tirmizi, while applauding the Government policies for economic development of the country and creating opportunities for foreign investment, invited the business community to invest in Pakistan.
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