The Embassy of Pakistan in Kyiv organized the 73rd Independence Day flag hoisting ceremony this morning with traditional fervour and enthusiasm.
The flag hoisting ceremony began with recitation of the Holy Qur'an. The national anthem was played and Ambassador of Pakistan H.E. Maj. Gen. (Retd) Zahid Mubashir Sheikh hoisted the national flag. The messages of President Dr. Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan were read out on this occasion.
His Excellency, the Ambassador paid rich tribute to the founding fathers of the country. He said Pakistan was a resilient nation with a proud history and had tremendous potential to rise in future. He added that recently Pakistan has achieved a lot on the foreign policy front. Pakistan is moving forward towards playing a greater role in promoting regional peace and stability. He shared that in the last few years, Pakistan had taken great strides in achieving macro-economic stability, improved law and order situation and ensuring continuity of democracy.
The Ambassador further added that this year's Independence Day is being celebrated in solidarity with our Kashmiri brethren in Indian Occupied Kashmir who are being subjected to the worst kind of oppression and state terrorism. Pakistan will stick to its principled stance over Kashmir and will continue to provide political, moral and diplomatic support to its Kashmiri brethren in their struggle for self determination.
After the flag hoisting ceremony, a reception for Pakistani community members was held. During the reception, the Ambassador interacted with community members and discussed with them the problems they faced in Ukraine as expatriate community and the role the Embassy could play to help resolve these issues. The Ambassador also impressed upon the prominent Pakistani community members to continue to play its role as a bridge between Pakistan and Ukraine.
The ceremony was attended by Pakistanis from all walks of life living in Ukraine including students, businessmen, representatives of local media and the Embassy staff.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the well-being and prosperity of Pakistan, its people and community members living in Ukraine.
Kyiv,
August 14, 2019