Pakistan and Saudi Arabia — A new era of relations...

ON the auspicious occasion of our 67th Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to all the Pakistanis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is a day to revive our pledge to serve and defend our country, protect it and work for its progress and prestige.
Islamic Republic of Pakistan has strong Muslim ideology, Pakistan gained independence in the blessed month of Ramadan. In 1947, Aug. 14 coincided with the 27th of Ramadan, a day considered most auspicious and blessed in the Islamic calendar month. Pakistan is a very important Islamic state being the only country created in the name of Islam on such an auspicious date. We should be proud of our heritage that we belong to this country brought into being at a most blessed time chosen by the Almighty Allah Himself.
Allama Iqbal gave the idea of having an independent state for the Muslims of the Subcontinent where they could practice their religion according to their own wishes. The dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam united them to achieve this goal.
This day reminds us of the historical struggle and sacrifices by our forefathers for a separate homeland. Now, it is our responsibility to make Pakistan an enlightened, tolerant and a progressive welfare state. The challenges that we are facing today demand that we remain united. We must endeavor to utilize our energies in transforming Pakistan into a modern, Islamic welfare and democratic state. I would stress to renew our pledges to make Pakistan a prosperous, strong and developed country. I also call upon the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia to work with dedication and devotion for the growth and development of not only Pakistan but also Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia's relations are very strong based on love, affection and care for each other and with time these relations have strengthened further. People of Pakistan have always felt a special reverence for Saudi Arabia as the land where Islam grew. Saudi Arabia considers Pakistan a leading Muslim state. Close geographical proximity, religious affinity, historic trade ties and economic facilitation have developed trustworthy relations based on mutual respect.
More than 1.5 million Pakistanis are working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has always been a second home for Pakistanis and they feel blessed to contribute to the progress and prosperity of the Kingdom. The strength and stability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is our own strength and stability.
Remember Pakistan in your prayers, May Allah (SWT) keep our beloved country and the Muslim Ummah safe in His kind care and protect from all enemies, calamities and disasters and bless the Muslim Ummah with  Peace, Stability, Prosperity and Unity (Ameen).

Sen. Sehar Kamran is Tamgha-i-Imtiaz and is:
• Member Senate of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
• Member of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production
• Member of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan
• Member of the Senate Standing Committee on Human Resource Development
• Member of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis
• President Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS).