LONDON : To mark the 83rd anniversary of the Pakistan Resolution, a flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Pakistan High Commission London, today.
High Commissioner Moazzam Ahmad Khan hoisted the national flag in the presence of a large number of Pakistani diaspora and the British friends of Pakistan.
In his address on the occasion, the High Commissioner felicitated the British Pakistanis and termed the Pakistan Resolution an important milestone in the history of Pakistan movement. He said that 23 March 1940 marked not just the launch of our national struggle for independence and self-determination, but also the beginning of our journey as a nation to realize our national aspirations. He paid glowing tributes to Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and other leaders of the Pakistan Movement for their selfless services and unwavering resolve to achieve Pakistan.
The High Commissioner said that despite formidable challenges during the last 75 years, Pakistan continued to move forward as a progressive and democratic country. He assured that through its characteristic resilience and resolve, Pakistan would soon overcome its current economic challenges.
The High Commissioner said that at a moment of unprecedented strife and uncertainty in world affairs, Pakistan stood for peace, equality, and justice with firm belief in the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. He particularly highlighted the grave human rights violations of the Kashmiri people being committed with complete impunity by Indian occupation forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and emphasized the need for the world to shun discrimination and safeguard universal human rights.
Speaking about bilateral ties, the High Commissioner said Pakistan-UK relations had been strategic since the creation of Pakistan. In a world of flux and uncertainty, there were few such relationships that stood out for their consistency, for the depth and breadth of people-to-people linkages and for mutual support and cooperation, added the High Commissioner.
Appreciating the constructive role of 1.6 million British Pakistanis, the High Commissioner said that they were enriching life in the UK and were making important contributions to Pakistan’s progress and development. He also commended their role in strengthening ties between Pakistan and the UK.
The Consulates of Pakistan in Birmingham, Bradford, Glasgow and Manchester organized similar flag hoisting ceremonies.