Flag hoisting ceremony held in Dhaka on Pakistan Day

A flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka on Thursday to mark National Day of Pakistan.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Ahmed Siddiqui hoisted the Pakistan national flag at the chancery to the uplifting tune of the national anthem, said a news release.

The occasion held great significance as it marked the historic day in 1940 when the icons of Pakistan Movement under the dynamic leadership of Quiad-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah passed a resolution in Lahore, calling for a separate homeland for the Muslims of South Asia, it said.

The messages from President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif were read out, congratulating the nation on this momentous occasion and paying tribute to the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. 

The president and prime minister reaffirmed their commitment to making relentless efforts to transform Pakistan into a truly democratic, progressive and prosperous State in line with the vision of the founding fathers.

The high commissioner while felicitating the Pakistanis across the world especially Pakistani community residing in Bangladesh paid glowing tribute to the historic struggle for Pakistan and said that 23rd March is a day of introspection and renewal of our resolve to serve Pakistan and making it a country as dreamt by our founding fathers. 

The high commissioner reiterated the importance of following the golden principles of "Faith, Unity, and Discipline," laid down by Quaid-e-Azam, to guide us on the path towards a brighter future. Terming these principles as the cornerstone of Pakistan's progress and development, Mr Siddiqui urged everyone to uphold them in their personal and professional lives.

The event also witnessed the offering of special prayers for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, its people, and the emancipation of Kashmiri people from a brutal foreign occupation.

A photographic exhibition showcasing rare photographs of the leaders of the Pakistan movement was also organized, providing an opportunity to reflect on the historic struggle for independence.

The ceremony was attended by the Pakistani community residing in Bangladesh, local media representatives, and staff of the high commission.