The Pakistani community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday celebrated the National Day of Pakistan with zeal and fervour. The day started with flag hoisting ceremonies held simultaneously at the embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh and at the residence of the Consul General in Jeddah.
The Acting Ambassador of Pakistan Sarfaraz A. Khanzada, unfurled the national flag at a largely attended ceremony held at the Embassy building in Riyadh. Messages of the President and the Prime Minister were read out. Speaking on the occasion Khanzada said, "Pakistan has been put on the path of democracy and as per the Presidents message, let us dedicate ourselves to the upholding of judiciary as the future of our country depends on the rule of law."
At Jeddah the Consul General Zaighamuddin Azam, with a presentation of the national anthem performed the national flag hoisting ceremony at his residence in Hayya Rowdha, Jeddah. Earlier, verses from the Holy Quran were recited.
The members of the Pakistani community especially women and children, officials of the Consulate, Pakistan International School and Haj Directorate largely attended the function. Messages of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani were read out by Vice Consul Murad Ali.
In his address to the gathering at his residence, the Consul General said "the national day reminds us of the commitment, our forefathers made to make Pakistan a strong, prosperous and progressive country." He further said that as ambassadors of the country, all expatriates have to keep Pakistani flag high to show the love they have for their country.
He urged the Pakistani community to remain united and disciplined and work hard for the development of both the Kingdom and Pakistan. He said that they should avoid hundi and use the regular banking channels for their remittances to Pakistan.
All the Pakistanis working in the Kingdom should also abide by the rules and regulations of the Kingdom that has provided a safe environment for their bread earning, he added. National songs were also played on the occasion. On a visit to the Kingdom, famous singer Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, specially came to attend the function and also sang a national song.