LONDON: Pakistan’s National Day reception was hosted by Pakistan High Commissioner for British Dr. Mohammad Faisal at Pakistan House.
Owen Jenkins, Acting Director-General for Indo-Pacific, Middle East and North Africa at the Foreign Office, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), represented the UK Government as the chief guest at the ceremony.
British Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for Pakistan James Daly MP, British MPs; diplomats; senior civilian and military officials; mayors; Councillor; leading members of the Pakistani community; and among the guests were British friends of Pakistan.
The public holiday reception was held in advance due to the date falling in the holy month of Ramazan.
Paying warm tributes to our elders who led the struggle for Pakistan, the High Commissioner said, “Our founding fathers articulated a remarkable vision for Pakistan that went beyond mere words; it encapsulated the collective desires of millions and laid the foundations for the birth of our beloved homeland.”
Dr. Faisal added that a newly elected government has taken office in Pakistan, which heralds major progress in Pakistan’s democratic journey. With a deep understanding of the challenges ahead, the elected leadership was determined to achieve prosperity, stability and inclusiveness.
Pakistan looked to the future with renewed optimism and determination. In particular, he pointed to the Prime Minister’s statement in his speech in Parliament that Pakistan would seek G20 membership by the end of this decade. He emphasized that Pakistan had turned a corner.
The High Commissioner lauded the Pakistani diaspora in the UK and said they stand out for their extraordinary achievements and immense contributions in politics, health, arts, science, business and education.
British Pakistanis have been a beacon of perseverance, dedication and unyielding drive, embodying the essence of our motherland.
He also said that the bond between Pakistan and the UK has been strengthened by the more than 1.6 million members of the Pakistani diaspora in the UK, who act as a living bridge between our two nations, promoting cultural exchange and strengthening bilateral relations.
In his remarks, Owen Jenkins, on behalf of the British government, expressed his best wishes to the people of Pakistan and the new government. He praised Quaid-i-Azam’s vision of one nation, one Pakistan with equal opportunities for all.
Appreciating the positive influence of British Pakistanis, he said that the diaspora, especially women, made the bilateral relations very special and Pakistan’s National Day was a celebration of those bilateral relations.
A cake cutting and cultural show was also held on the occasion.
