Press Release

The 82^nd National Day of Pakistan was celebrated at the Embassy of Pakistan in Bucharest today. A sizable number of resident Pakistani community participated in the celebrations.

Ambassador of Pakistan to Romania His Excellency Dr. Zafar Iqbal hoisted the national flag with the national anthem. Messages of the President and the Prime Minister were read out on the occasion.

Highlighting the historic importance of the Day, the Ambassador mentioned that on this day in 1940, the Muslims changed their demand from “separate electorates” to a “separate state”. The demand for a separate homeland for Muslims has proved to be politically correct over time. The unlawful accession of Jammu and Kashmir by India, denying the right to self-determination to Kashmiris, are sufficient grounds to believe that the leadership of that time had clearly visualised atrocities for Muslims if they did not stand by their demands.

23^rd March is the Day to renew our commitment to adhere to the principles of justice and equity; the real objectives of the creation of Pakistan. Today, we pay tribute to the Father of the Nation and all the leaders of the Freedom Movement who struggled for uniting the nation through their unparalleled sacrifices.

The Ambassador stated that relations between Pakistan and Romania were being strengthened in all fields. Both countries are giving special attention to enhance trade and increase people to people contacts.

Talking about the 48^th Session of OIC Council of Ministers which is being organized in Islamabad on 22-23 March 2022, the Ambassador stated that promoting solidarity and cooperation within the Muslim Ummah is one of the central pillars of Pakistan’s foreign policy and as Chair of the Council of Foreign Ministers during 2022-23, Pakistan’s overarching goal shall be to solidify this bridging role further.

The solemn event concluded with prayers for the prosperity and progress of Pakistan and also for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir who are struggling to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination.

23 March 2022

Bucharest