Sana Abdul Salam Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Members of the Pakistani community here celebrated their love and attachment to their nation by unveiling a large flag of the country created by thumb impressions on Thursday. The flag was created on the Pakistan International School-English Section (PISJ-ES) premises, with the school's students, staff, parents, as well as other members of the Pakistani community coming together to stamp their thumb impression. The resultant flag measured 78 square meters. Mohammed Naeem Khan, ambassador of Pakistan, expressed his gratitude to the school and all the participants. He said: “Although this thumbing of the flag can appear to be a benign activity, it has a lot of meaning, especially for a country that is determined to rise and make its impression in the community of nations. “By creating a thumb impression for the flag of Pakistan, we have reiterated commitment to our homeland.” The flag unveiled has been registered with the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest flag to be created using thumb impressions, and PISJ-ES is in the process of compiling evidence as per the guidelines received for successful qualification as an entry in the book. Referring to the concern among expatriates about implementation of the Nitaqat program, Khan said he was pleased that his recommendations were accepted by the Saudi government. “Our people should use this time to regularize their status. They must find a sponsor within this period. If they cannot find a sponsor on their own, then they should immediately approach us. “We have earmarked more than 60 companies, which are prepared to give employment to our people. The most important thing is: don't be passive, don't sit back but make the best use of this grace period.” Consul General Aftab Khokher said the flag symbolizes the unity among all people of the nation regardless of the territory they belong to. He said: “It is very heartening to see the efforts made to preserve the country's patriotic spirit, and I am pleased to be a part of this very symbolic event.” In commemoration of the unveiling, students from PISJ-ES performed patriotic songs. Addressing the attendees of the unveiling ceremony, Senator Saher Kamran, PISJ-ES principal, urged the participants to respect the flag by not just creating it, but also working together toward the nation's prosperity and progress. “Also, let us not forget the sacrifice of the great people who have worked toward creating the nation of Pakistan,” she said.
