By Safina Khan | Voice of Asia
LONDON: Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day was celebrated at the Pakistan High Commission in London with traditional zeal, patriotic spirit and a strong sense of national pride, bringing together the Pakistani community, friends of Pakistan, media representatives and diplomatic officials.
Chairman Kashmir Committee Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon attended the ceremony as the guest of honour.
The celebrations commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the hoisting of the national flag by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Tipu Usman, as the national anthem echoed through the ceremony.
Messages from the President, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan were also read out on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Tipu Usman paid rich tribute to Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the countless men and women whose courage, sacrifices, determination and resilience made the creation of Pakistan possible.
He urged the Pakistani community in the United Kingdom to continue playing its positive role as ambassadors of Pakistan, praising their hard work, dedication and contribution towards strengthening the historic bond between Pakistan and the UK.
The High Commissioner also reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued moral, political and diplomatic support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their struggle for the right to self-determination in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The celebrations were further enlivened by national songs and musical performances, including a special performance by renowned British-Pakistani soprano Saira Peter. The enthusiastic participation of children added colour and vibrancy to the national day festivities.
The ceremony concluded with a cake cutting ceremony, with High Commissioner Tipu Usman and distinguished guests joining together to mark the 80th Independence Day of Pakistan.
The event reflected the enduring bond between Pakistan and its diaspora in Britain, with the Pakistani community once again expressing its pride in the country and its commitment to strengthening Pakistan UK relations.
