THE Pakistani community in the Kingdom celebrated their country's 68th Independence Day on Thursday with zeal and fervor. The day started with flag hoisting ceremonies held simultaneously at the Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah. In Riyadh, Pakistan Ambassador Manzur ul Haq unfurled the national flag at a largely attended ceremony held at the embassy building. Messages from President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif were read out. Senator Iqbal Zafar Jhagra attended the ceremony with hundreds of Pakistanis community members. Addressing the community, the ambassador stressed that it was their responsibility to make Pakistan a strong welfare state. In Jeddah, Consul General of Pakistan Aftab Ahmed Khokher hoisted the national flag at his residence in the presence of a large number of prominent members of the community and their families. Distinguished Saudi guests and the consulate staff attended the ceremony. The proceedings started with the recitation of the Holy Qur'an by Qari Abdul Haseeb. Senior Pakistani poet Naeem Hamid Ali Al-Hamid read out a patriotic poem. Head of Chancery Junaid Wazir, as master of ceremony, welcomed the guests. Khokher read out messages of the president and the prime minister. “The Independence Day reminds us of the sacrifices our forefathers made to make Pakistan a strong, prosperous and progressive country,” Khokher said. He thanked to the Saudi guests, who included Khalid Bux who came with the Pakistani flag wrapped around him. Noted musician Mohammed Tufail Khan Sanjarini entertained the audience with the famous song “Etnay Baray Givan Sagar Main Tu Nay Pakistan Dia - Oh Allah”. Renowned Naat singer Shar Afzal presented Kalam-e-Iqbal in his melodious voice. Well-known local singers followed him with patriotic songs. Students from Pakistan International School Jeddah (PISJ) Aziziyah Ali Raza and Mohammed Rizwan also presented patriotic songs.
