Pakistan High Commission in Maldives celebrates Pakistan Day

Pakistan High Commission in the Maldives celebrated 'Pakistan Day' on Saturday with "national spirit".

The commemorate the day, a flag hoisting ceremony was held at the High Commission on Saturday morning, at 09:00 followed by the country's national anthem. The flag was hoisted by the Pakistani High Commissioner in the Maldives, Vice Admiral (retired) Muhammad Fayyaz Gilani.

The event was attended by a "good number of" Pakistani immigrants residing in the Maldives.

While speaking at the ceremony, Gilani said March 23rd was a significant day for Pakistan's national history, which reminded of the country's past, and added that it makes every Pakistani to ponder over the "present state of affairs" and inspired them to "build a prosperous future".

He said the Pakistan Resolution of 1940 marked a crucial turning point, setting the course for the establishment of Pakistan on August 14th, 1947.

Gilani added that country distinguished itself by standing for the supremacy of the UN Charter and international law. The Pakistani High Commissioner further said, Pakistan has upheld the principles of sovereign equality of states and peaceful settlement of disputes.

He further said that Pakistan has always stood by developing countries and supported the right to self-determination by peoples under foreign occupation and colonialism.

Gilani paid tribute to the Kashmiri people, and said that the Pakistan government and public's hearts grieve the sufferings of its brethren in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted support for Kashmir's cause has always been a pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy.

The High Commissioner also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and said, "our hearts are full of pain for our Palestinian brethen, who are facing the worst forms of war crimes under an oppressive occupation."

At Saturday's event, Gilani assured Pakistan will continue to call for an urgent and unconditional ceasefire in Palestine.

Additionally, Gilani extended Ramadan greetings to the public and government of the Maldives, and said, "Pakistan and Maldives have been enjoying cordial relations and the bilateral ties would further strengthen in the times to come."