On August 14, 2024, the Embassy of Pakistan in Ukraine hosted a solemn event to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the Independence Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which was attended by representatives of the Pakistani community from different regions of Ukraine, Islamic religious leaders and friends of Pakistan from among the citizens of Ukraine.
After the reading of the Holy Quran, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan H.E. Major General (retired) Nadir Khan raised the national flag during the performance of the national anthem of Pakistan.
The Ambassador of Pakistan congratulated the guests on a special day in the history of the country, when the unprecedented struggle of the Pakistani people for freedom under the leadership of the Father of the Nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah took place, culminating in the establishment of the state of Pakistan on August 14, 1947.
The diplomat noted that the 77-year history of the country’s independence is full of challenges and trials:
– Incomplete territorial division and unresolved Kashmir issue
– Migration and refugee crisis
– Crisis of governance (death of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan)
– Wars with India (1948, 1965 and 1971)
– Consequences of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, which led to the war on terrorism
– Natural disasters, sanctions, etc.
According to the diplomat, today Pakistan is the only Muslim nuclear power with powerful armed forces, and the unity and resilience of the Pakistani people, their determination to build their strong state deserve respect and recognition in the international arena.
In his speech, the Head of the Diplomatic Mission also focused on the work of the Embassy over the past year of his stay in Ukraine.
“We work in close cooperation and coordination with our Ukrainian friends. The visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to Pakistan, the participation of the First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the Forum of First Ladies and Gentlemen, regular communication and exchange of messages between the leaderships of the two countries are just some of the moments that reflect the positive in our relations with Ukraine,” he said.
The Ambassador emphasized his country’s unwavering position in support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty
“We wish and want to see full peace return to Ukraine as soon as possible. Pakistan has been and will always be happy to play a constructive role in resolving the conflict,” the diplomat emphasized.
A message from the President of Pakistan, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, was also read out.
The ceremony concluded with a prayer for the well-being and prosperity of the people of Pakistan, the Muslim Ummah and humanity, as well as for the return of peace and prosperity to Ukraine.
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan recognized Ukraine’s independence on December 31, 1991. On March 16, 1992, diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Pakistan were established. The Embassy of Pakistan has been operating in Kyiv since October 1997.
