The World Calls It August 14; For Us, It Is a Day of Gratitude and Prostration

Jeddah Diary — Amir Muhammad Khan

Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations are playing an important role in Pakistan’s economic development, says Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabbani

**Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia should project a positive image of their homeland through their character and conduct, says Farina Arshad**

**Photo exhibition held at the Consulate to mark the 150th birth anniversary year of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah**

The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan extends far beyond defence and security agreements. Saudi Arabia is playing an important role in Pakistan’s economic development. This was stated by Consul General of Pakistan in Jeddah, **Syed Mustafa Rabbani**, while addressing the flag-hoisting ceremony held at the Pakistan Consulate in Jeddah in the early hours of August 14 to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day.

He said that Pakistanis do not forget their Kashmiri brothers and sisters on their Independence Day, adding that the Kashmir issue remains an important part of Pakistan’s foreign-policy agenda.

The Consul General said that August 14 is a shining day in Pakistan’s history—the day when, after a long political struggle by the Muslims of the subcontinent, countless sacrifices and the extraordinary leadership of **Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah**, Pakistan emerged on the world map as an independent and sovereign state.

On the occasion, a photo exhibition was also inaugurated at the Pakistan Consulate to commemorate the **150th birth anniversary year of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah**. The exhibition features rare photographs relating to the Quaid-e-Azam and the Pakistan Movement. Syed Mustafa Rabbani said that the exhibition would also be taken to Pakistani schools so that the younger generation could learn about the history and struggle behind the creation of Pakistan.

In his address, the Consul General emphasised that independence was not achieved easily. Millions of Muslims endured the hardships of migration and made enormous sacrifices, leaving behind their homes, businesses and properties to embark upon the journey towards a new homeland. The freedom enjoyed by Pakistanis today, he said, carries with it the sacrifices of millions of people.

Meanwhile, a separate Independence Day ceremony for the Pakistani community was jointly organised by the **Pakistan Investors Forum** and the **Pakistan Qaumi Yakjehti Forum**, which was attended by a large number of members of the Pakistani community. **Deputy Consul General Farina Arshad** was the chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, Farina Arshad urged Pakistani workers and expatriates in Saudi Arabia to enhance the country’s positive image through their character, professionalism and conduct. She stressed that Pakistanis should not view their contribution solely through the prism of remittances, but should also respect and strictly follow the laws and regulations of their host country.

She said that the community had gathered not merely to celebrate a national day, but also to remember the historic struggle and sacrifices that led to the creation of an independent and sovereign Pakistan.

Farina Arshad said that Independence Day reminds Pakistanis of the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the unparalleled sacrifices of their forefathers and the determination through which Pakistan came into being.

She described overseas Pakistanis as one of the country’s most valuable assets. Pakistani expatriates around the world, she said, act as ambassadors of Pakistan and are enhancing the country’s image through hard work, honesty and positive behaviour.

Pakistan Consulate Commercial Counsellor **Sadia Khan**, Community Welfare Counsellor **Azka**, other consular officials, representatives of various political parties and a large number of members of the Pakistani community also attended the ceremony.

Chairman of the Pakistan Investors Forum **Chaudhry Shafqat Mahmood** congratulated the nation on Independence Day and said that wherever Pakistanis may live in the world, they share one common identity: they are Pakistanis.

He described August 14 as the story of a great struggle and said that great nations move forward through determination, courage and perseverance. He urged Pakistanis to adapt to changing times, while encouraging young people to progress through hard work and honesty and to embrace new technologies.

Chaudhry Shafqat Mahmood particularly acknowledged the services of Sadia Khan and Azka, saying that both officials had extended valuable cooperation and worked with responsibility for the promotion and development of Pakistani investors. He announced that the Pakistan Investors Forum would honour them with awards in recognition of their contributions.

Acting Convener of the Pakistan Qaumi Yakjehti Forum **Chaudhry Tasawwar Hussain** also addressed the gathering.

The ceremony included colourful tableaus presented by Pakistani children to national songs. Their performances were warmly appreciated by the audience.

General Secretary of the Pakistan Investors Forum **Abdul Khaliq Lak** thanked the guests, participants and organisers and highlighted the significance and objectives of Independence Day.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, special shields and awards were presented to prominent members of the community in recognition of their valuable social and community services. Among those honoured were **Chaudhry Akram Gujjar, Engineer Muhammad Nawaz, Sharif-uz-Zaman, Sardar Iqbal, Engineer Sajjad Tahseen, Ali Khursheed Malik, Dr. Rakhshanda Puri, Syed Jafar Shah and Abdul Mateen**.

**Atiq-ur-Rehman**, Principal of Pakistan Embassy School Aziziyah, was also presented with a special award. Event organisers **Syed Jafar Shah and Abdul Mateen** were likewise honoured for their efforts.

The ceremony was conducted by **Chaudhry Zaheer**. Former Federal Minister **Chaudhry Shahbaz Hussain**, **Masood Ahmed Puri, Mumtaz Kahloon, Azhar Waraich** and other prominent community personalities, as well as a large number of women, attended the event.

August 14 is therefore not merely a date on the calendar. For Pakistanis, particularly those living abroad, it is a reminder of sacrifice, identity and responsibility. Independence gives a nation a homeland, but it is the character, unity, honesty and hard work of its people that determine how that homeland is represented before the world.