Islamabad, August 14, 2021 (PPI-OT): An official ceremony to mark the 74th anniversary of Independence of Pakistan was held at Pakistan House Tehran, today. Members of Pakistani community in Iran, officials of the Embassy, journalists and media representatives attended the ceremony. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and to ensure compliance with health guidelines, the ceremony was kept brief and a limited number of guests were invited, says a press release received here today from Tehran.

The ceremony commenced with the playing of national anthem and hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador Rahim Hayat Qureshi. It was followed by reading out of Messages of President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan.

Recalling the historical importance of the day, Ambassador Rahim Hayat Qureshi paid rich tributes to the founding fathers of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Dr. Allama Iqbal and other leaders who led the Pakistan movement and offered sacrifices for the creation of an independent Muslim state. While congratulating the Pakistani diaspora on Pakistan’s Independence Day, Ambassador urged them to serve the country with dedication.

Since independence, Pakistan has faced multiple challenges, but by the grace of Almighty Allah and with the dedication and hard work of our citizens, our country has succeeded in overcoming the obstacles to continue its forward march as a modern and progressive state. The participants also expressed solidarity with the oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), who continue to suffer from systematic persecution and human rights violations by the Indian occupation forces.

Ambassador Qureshi called upon the international community to take measures for the peaceful resolution of IIOJK dispute as enshrined in the relevant resolutions UN Security Council. Focusing on regional peace and security, the Ambassador stressed the importance of peaceful and negotiated settlement of Afghan conflict that was Afghan-owned and Afghan-led. Pakistan, being a victim of terrorism and cross border infiltration, was committed to playing a constructive role to facilitate dialogue among various Afghan factions.

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