It gives me immense pleasure to extend congratulations to fellow Pakistanis on our country’s Independence Day. I am happy to be celebrating the occasion with our brothers in our second home — the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This day provides us an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah and to the aspirations of Dr. Allama Mohammed Iqbal. Our founding fathers worked tirelessly for the creation of Pakistan so that the Muslims of the subcontinent could flourish in an independent homeland without any fear of oppression and injustice.
Saudi Arabia and its leadership have a special place in the hearts of Pakistanis. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have always stood by each other. We are grateful to Saudi Arabia for the warmth and hospitality extended to nearly 2.6 million Pakistanis, which is the largest overseas Pakistani community.
Saudi Arabia has always acknowledged the contributions made by Pakistani professionals and the workforce in the development of the Kingdom. Saudi Vision 2030 provides opportunities to investors and professionals on both sides for enhancing cooperation in all fields.
Let us today renew our pledge to make Pakistan the state envisioned by its founding fathers.
As ambassador of Pakistan, I congratulate all Pakistanis living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on this auspicious occasion. Let us work together to build Pakistan and further strengthen our fraternal ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
May Allah bless Pakistan and Saudi Arabia with lasting peace and prosperity in the times ahead.
Long live Pakistan.
Long live Saudi Arabia.
Long live the Pakistan-Saudi friendship.
• Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Bilal Akbar is the ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia
