(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
Pakistani expatriates living in Qatar celebrated their country's 77th National Day yesterday. The highlight of the day was a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Pakistani Embassy and a grand reception hosted by the embassy at The Ritz-Carlton.
With the national anthem playing in the backdrop, Shahzad Ahmad, Pakistani Ambassador to Qatar, hoisted the National Flag at the embassy premises early in the morning in the presence of dozens of community members.
Pakistani embassies and Pakistan cultural and community organisations celebrate National Day all over the world on March 23. On the occasion, Pakistanis expressed their solidarity and love for their homeland.
After the flag hoisting, Sadia Gohar, Head of Chancery at Pakistan Embassy, read out the National Day messages from Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The guests were later treated to a traditional Pakistani breakfast.
The President in his message acknowledged the formidable threats and challenges faced by the country and reiterated the nation's resolve to never give in. 'On this day, seventy seven years ago, the Muslims of the subcontinent through their collective will expressed unshakeable resolve to carve out a separate homeland for themselves wherein they could fashion their lives in accordance with their own tradition, values and culture. Through their indefatigable struggle, unparalleled commitment and with the blessings of Allah Almighty they achieved their objective within a short span of seven years," said the President.
'Let us express our firm resolve to continue nourishing the legacy and heritage bequeathed to us by our founding fathers and by following in their footsteps make our country a cradle of peace, progress and stability, he added.
Pakistan Embassy hosted a grand reception to mark the National Day on Wednesday evening. The reception was attended by a large number of Qatari dignitaries, members of the Diplomatic Corps and prominent Pakistani expatriates.
Minister of Justice H E Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr Al Mohannadi was the chief guest. Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi, and Secretary General at the Foreign Ministry, Dr Ahmad Hassan Al Hamadi were also present.
The ceremony began with the National Anthems of Qatar and Pakistan. It was followed by a brief speech by Pakistani Ambassador Shahzad Ahmad who welcomed the guests and highlighted the historical significance of March 23.
During his speech, he particularly thanked Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for providing an excellent atmosphere to the diplomatic staff from Pakistan to enable them to perform their duties with dignity. A cake-cutting ceremony followed the speech.
The guests were treated to a host of traditional Pakistani dishes.
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