Brussels (Hafiz Unib Rashid) — The Embassy of Pakistan in Brussels celebrated the country’s 78th Independence Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony attended by a large number of men, women, and children from the Pakistani community.

Ambassador of Pakistan to the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg, Rahim Hayat Qureshi, hoisted the national flag to the tune of the national anthem. The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the reading of messages from the country’s leadership.

The message of President Asif Ali Zardari was read by Syed Faraz Zaidi, Deputy Head of Mission.

The message of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was read by Syed Asad Raza Rizvi, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the World Customs Organization.

The message of Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar was read by Muhammad Adeel, Head of Chancery.

In his address, Ambassador Qureshi congratulated participants on Independence Day, paid tribute to the founders of Pakistan, and highlighted the recent Pakistan-India tensions, particularly acknowledging the “Battle of Truth” — Operation Bunyan al-Marsous — praising the armed forces for their efforts on behalf of the nation.

Later, the Ambassador cut a cake decorated in the national colors alongside children, adding to the celebratory spirit. The ceremony saw a strong turnout from the Pakistani community, who renewed their patriotic commitment abroad and chanted slogans in praise of Pakistan’s armed forces.

The event concluded with the serving of halwa puri and other traditional Pakistani dishes to the guests.