A reception to commemorate Pakistan's National Day was held at the residence of Consul General of Pakistan Abdul Salik Khan recently, with a large number of diplomatic corps, Saudi citizens and members of the Kingdom's Pakistani community in attendance. Dr. Muhammad Nabeel Bukhari, head of the Counsellor Department of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was the chief guest. In his welcome address, Khan said that March 23 reminds Pakistani citizens of the need to dedicate themselves to the realization of the goals for which Pakistan was established. Khan said relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are described in such epithets as all-weather, historical, unique, strategic and time-tested. However, this relationship is akin to an integrated body: Whenever a part is hurt, the entire body shares the pain and agony, he said. The founding fathers of the two brotherly countries ensured that this relationship was founded on sincerity, mutual admiration and respect. Pakistan has always been a proponent of global peace and unity among Islamic states and is dedicated to interfaith cooperation and reconciliation, Khan said and added that the Pakistan government is now focused on putting the country on a rapid track of progress and development. The recently held Senate elections were yet another important milestone achieved by the present government. The government is fully cognizant of international cultural and civilizational transformations that the world has been witnessing since the beginning of the 21st century — therefore all its efforts are geared toward promoting inter-faith cooperation through dialogue and reconciliation, Khan said. Early in the evening, the anthems of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were played. Images of Pakistani art and culture and a documentary film were also shown during the occasion.
