Pakistani high commissioner to UK lauds Pakistan's founders at National Day celebration

Pakistani High Commission in the UK on Thursday celebrated National Day, with High Commissioner Dr Mohammad Faisal heaping praise on the founders of Pakistan who presented a vision that expressed the "aspirations of millions".

"Our founders presented a very precise vision for Pakistan which was beyond mere words and was an expression of the collective aspirations of millions of people, and which laid the foundations of our beloved homeland," Dr Faisal said while addressing a ceremony at the Pakistan House in London.

The celebration for March 23, which marks the National Day of Pakistan, was held ahead of time in light of the holy month of Ramadan, which is set to begin next week.

British Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Pakistan James Daly, British parliamentarians, diplomats, senior civil and military representatives, mayors councilors, eminent members of the Pakistani community, and British friends of Pakistan attended the event among the nearly 500 guests.

After paying tribute to the founding leaders of Pakistan, the high commissioner spoke about the current affairs of the country.

Dr Faisal said that a newly elected government has assumed power in Pakistan, which he said was an important development in its democratic journey.

"With a deep understanding of the challenges ahead, the elected leadership is determined to achieve prosperity, stability, and inclusiveness. Pakistan is moving towards the future with a new hope and determination," he said.

Referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's pledge to seek G20 membership for the country by the end of this decade, Dr Faisal said that the country has entered a new era.

He also commended Pakistanis living in the UK, saying that they stand out for their extraordinary achievements and immense contributions in the fields of politics, health, arts, science, business, and education.

"British-Pakistanis are a symbol of perseverance, dedication and unwavering courage, epitomising the essence of our homeland," he said.

Moreover, he underscored that bilateral ties between Pakistan and the UK had been further strengthened by more than 1.6 million Pakistanis living in the Kingdom. He said that the expats are serving as a strong bridge between the two countries, promoting cultural exchange and strengthening bilateral ties.

Both the countries are determined to develop and enhance mutual relations, he added.

Interim Director General for Indo-Pacific, Middle East and North Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Owen Jenkins, who attended the event as chief guest, expressed his best wishes to the people of Pakistan and the newly elected government on behalf of the British government.

He appreciated Quaid-e-Azam's vision of "one nation, one Pakistan" with equal opportunities for all.

Appreciating the positive role of British Pakistanis, he said that immigrants, especially women, have made Pakistan-UK relations very special.

A cake-cutting ceremony and a cultural show were also organised on the occasion. The guests were served sumptuous traditional Pakistani food.

The event was well received by all the guests, especially by the Pakistani diaspora, who attended the event in large numbers to celebrate the day.