Washington: The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C., commemorated the 79th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence with a flag-hoisting ceremony and the unveiling of a statue of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, underscoring the enduring Pakistan-U.S. partnership.

According to Press Information Department, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh presided over the ceremony, which included members of the Pakistani American community, diplomatic officials, and media. The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by messages from Pakistani leaders emphasizing national unity.

Ambassador Sheikh highlighted Pakistan’s journey and the sacrifices of its founding generation, declaring Pakistan as a “miracle of history.” The event also marked the upcoming 150th birth anniversary of Jinnah with the statue, donated by the Quaid-e-Azam Foundation of Houston, becoming a permanent feature at the Embassy.

Addressing economic progress, Ambassador Sheikh lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, citing improvements in Pakistan’s economic outlook. He also paid tribute to the nation’s security forces for their role in maintaining stability.

On bilateral relations, Ambassador Sheikh emphasized the significance of Pakistan’s ties with the U.S., referencing shared strategic objectives. He highlighted the importance of Pakistan’s role on the global stage and recalled statements from U.S. leadership supporting a strategic partnership.

The event featured an investiture ceremony, awarding Mr. Waqar Ali Khan the President’s Award for Pride of Performance for his service to Pakistan. Ambassador Sheikh concluded by praising the Pakistani-American diaspora and encouraging collaborative diplomacy for strengthening ties between the two nations.