ON the auspicious occasion of the National Day of Pakistan, I take great pleasure in extending warm felicitations to our community living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and around the world. This day has a great significance for our nation. On 23 March 1940, a resolution was adopted in a public meeting of All India Muslim League in Lahore. The resolution called for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent where they could lead their lives according to their aspirations. The Muslims under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah were able to achieve this goal in a short span of seven years. Pakistan came into being on Aug. 14, 1947. Pakistan is home to more than 180 million people today. It is a progressive, moderate and democratic state. It has an active parliament, independent judiciary, independent and thriving media and a vibrant society. The economy of Pakistan has shown an upward trend in the recent past. The economic growth has accelerated, per capita income increased, foreign exchange reserves enhanced, inflation dropped to single digit and stock market showing positive trend. A number of developmental and economic projects have commenced. Pakistan is becoming an attractive destination for trade and investment. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy very warm fraternal relations. The relations between the two countries are based on common aspirations of the people of the two countries. The people of Pakistan have great respect and reverence for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The presence of over 2 million Pakistanis in the Kingdom is a source of strength for the friendship between the two countries. They are contributing towards the economic development of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. They are a bridge of friendship between the two brotherly countries. The two governments duly appreciate their role. I join my Pakistani brethren in praying that Pakistan-Saudi Arabia fraternal relations and friendship continues to grow from strength to strength. Long live Pakistan-Saudi friendship. Manzoor Ul Haq
