INDEPENDENCE DAY FLAG HOISTING CEREMONY

The Embassy of Pakistan in Kyiv organized the 74^th 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 H.E. Maj Gen (Retd) Zahid Mubashir Sheikh hoisted the national flag. The messages of President Dr.ArifAlvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan were read out on this occasion.

The Ambassador, Maj Gen (Retd) Zahid Mubashir Sheikh, during his remarks, paid rich tribute to the founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah who alongside other towering personalities of the independence movement, turned the dream of Allama Muhammad Iqbal into a reality and Pakistan came into being on 14^th August 1947. He remarked that Pakistan was created on the basis of Islam which provided full guarantees and protection of the rights of minorities. He added that following the ideals of our founding father, Pakistan has treated all minorities as its equal citizens and with rights no less than other citizen of the country.  The current Government of Pakistan is also committed to embracing the ideals of its forefathers and the opening of the Kartarpur corridor in November 2019 was a testament to the fact that Pakistan is ready to provide full religious freedom to all its citizens regardless of their belief.

The Ambassador added that through an inclusive internal policy Pakistan has gelled together its people and, on the international front, through efficient foreign policy it has raised the issue of Kashmir with such success that it was discussed three times in the UN Security Council during the last one year. Whereas, on the other hand, our neighbor, India, through its policy of exclusion has not only divided its own people but has also isolated itself in the region. The revocation of article 370 and introduction citizenship amendment bill are the glaring examples of India’s policy of self-destruction and division.

It was added that Pakistan is moving forward towards playing a greater role in promoting regional peace and stability. He shared that in the last few years, Pakistan has taken great strides in achieving macro-economic stability, improving law and order situation and ensuring continuity of democracy.

The Ambassador further said that this year’s Independence Day is being celebrated in solidarity with our Kashmiri brethren in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu Kashmir (IIOJK) who are being subjected to the worst kind of oppression and state terrorism especially since 5^th August 2019 when the Indian Government illegally and against all international laws and relevant UNSC resolutions revoked article 370 and has ever since besieged the people of IIOJK. It was emphasized that 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.

The ceremony concluded with prayers for the well-being and prosperity of the whole Muslim Umma, Pakistan and its people.

Kyiv,

August 14, 2020