Pakistan Day celebrated in Sri Lanka

The High Commission of Pakistan and the Pakistani community based in Sri Lanka celebrated the National Day with traditional fervor and resolved to make Pakistan a vibrant, progressive and democratic Islamic welfare state. The Pakistan day is celebrated every year on the 23rd March to commemorate the most outstanding achievement of the Muslims of South Asia who passed the historic 'Pakistan Resolution' on this day at Lahore in 1940 which culminated in creation of Pakistan after 7 years.
High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Major General (R) Qasim Qureshi hoisted the national flag of Pakistan in an impressive ceremony held at the Pakistan High Commission to mark the occasion. Later, the messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out to the participants.
The Pakistan High Commissioner in his message on the occasion said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka continue to maintain their traditionally close and mutually beneficial relations which are based on mutual respect and trust. He said that the strength of Pakistan Sri Lanka relationship lies in diversified engagement in many fields such as trade, defence, science, culture and education, according to a message received here Saturday.
The High Commissioner further said that the democratically elected parliament and government of Pakistan have for the first time, completed five years tenure. "We look forward to a free and fair elections and a smooth transfer of power to the chosen representatives of our people," he added. He expressed the belief that consolidation of democratic institutions will result in stability and good governance in Pakistan. The High Commissioner hoped that the efforts being made by the government of Sri Lanka in the resettlement and rehabilitation of people affected by war, will be soon completed, enabling Sri Lanka to preserve its hard earned religious and ethnic harmony.
Qasim Qureshi also extended sincere greetings and best wishes on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan to the government and people of Sri Lanka and the international community. The ceremony was attended by a large number of participants from various walks of life including members of the Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship Association, prominent Sri Lankan personalities and the Pakistani community based in Sri Lanka.