Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day celebrated at High Commission in London

LONDON:  Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day was celebrated with traditional enthusiasm and national spirit at the Pakistan High Commission in London, with Chairman Kashmir Committee Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon attending as the chief guest.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Tipu Usman, hoisted the national flag to the national anthem at a ceremony attended by a large number of members of the Pakistani community, media representatives, diplomats and High Commission officials with their families.

The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the reading of special messages from the President, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan.

Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Tipu Usman paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the founders of Pakistan, as well as the sacrifices made by millions of men and women during the struggle for independence.

He said Pakistanis living in Britain were the country’s “true ambassadors”, playing an important role in strengthening relations between Pakistan and the UK and building bridges between the two countries.

The High Commissioner also reaffirmed Pakistan’s moral, political and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, saying they were entitled to this right under the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The celebrations featured national songs, while British-Pakistani soprano singer Saira Peter delivered a special performance. The enthusiastic participation of children added to the festive atmosphere.

The ceremony concluded with High Commissioner Tipu Usman, Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon and other distinguished guests cutting a cake to mark Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day.