Pakistan’s Independence Day was observed at the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka on Friday with various programmes.

The ceremony began with the hoisting of the national flag by Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider, accompanied by the national anthem.

A large number of members of the Pakistani community in Bangladesh, Bangladeshi friends and well-wishers, students, journalists and civil society representatives attended the event.

Messages from Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar were read out on the occasion.

The messages extended greetings to Pakistanis at home and abroad and paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Muhammad Iqbal and the workers of the Pakistan Movement for their sacrifices and contributions to the creation of Pakistan.

The leadership highlighted Pakistan’s achievements in various fields, including education, science and technology, sports and defence, and stressed the importance of upholding the principles of “Unity, Faith and Discipline” to achieve the country’s development goals.

Tributes were also paid to members of the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism.

The messages highlighted the success of Operation Marak-e-Haq against India and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting regional peace, prosperity and security.

The Pakistani leadership also expressed solidarity with the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and reiterated its commitment to resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Concern was also expressed over terrorism allegedly being perpetrated against neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, from Afghan soil.

On the occasion, prizes and certificates were distributed among Bangladeshi students who participated in an essay competition titled “Historical Sites in Pakistan”, organised by the High Commission.

The celebrations concluded with special prayers for the peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.