An elegant Flag Hoisting Ceremony was held at the Embassy today on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day, taking due regard the local regulations related to Covid-19 and social distancing.
The event began with the recitation from the Holy Quran. The national flag was hoisted by Ambassador Jauhar Saleem. Messages of the President and the Prime Minister on the auspicious occasion were also read for the audience.
The Ambassador, in his address highlighted the importance of the day, paying rich tribute to all those whose countless sacrifices brought about Pakistan’s independence. He elaborated on how the creation of Pakistan led to numerous opportunities for Muslims and the progress the country has made since 1947.
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem spoke at length about the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He accentuated that it has been more than an year since Indian unilaterally and illegally changed status of Kashmir, with a sinister objective of depriving Kashmiris of their unique identity and changing its demography. He drew attention on the gross violation of Human Rights being committed in IIOJK.
The Ambassador also drew a parallel with India of today and Apartheid in South Africa, pointing out to BJP’s implementation of its Hindutva Ideology, wherein its minorities are completely marginalized.He expressed hope that Kashmiris would be able to exercise their right of self-determination and that India’s tyranny cannot endure for long.
Rome
14 August 2020