Colombo (SRI LANKA) March 23, (APP): High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka Maj. Gen. (R) Syed Shakeel Hussain has said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka are located at two global strategic junctions on the land and maritime silk route respectively that had always been the meeting places of global civilizations, trade and cultures. The importance of both countries has increased tremendously in modern times for promoting cultural, civilization and trade dialogue among the nations of the world, he emphasized.
The High Commissioner said this in his message while delivering on the occasion of flag hoisting ceremony on 77th National Day of Pakistan, held at the High Commission of Pakistan premises, today.
The High Commissioner read out the message of Prime Minister while the President’s message was read out by Deputy High Commissioner, Dr. Sarfraz Ahmed Khan Sipra.
The High Commissioner highlighted that the day of 23rd March 1940 is the most significant day in the history of Pakistan. This day the idea of Pakistan was formalized as a political goal for the Muslims of South Asia in their struggle for obtaining an independent homeland for themselves. It was with the immense sacrifices and tireless efforts of our great forefathers that an independent nation-state of Pakistan came into being on 14thAugust 1947, he elaborated.
He said that the relationship between the two peoples exists from time immemorial taking a firm shape through two thousand five hundred years old linkages established during the golden era of Gandhara civilization. He expressed the satisfaction that the relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka are firmly standing on the pillars of mutual trust, respect and desire to promote friendship. High level visits, exchanges and multiple institutional mechanisms continuously provide renewed vigour to propel and expend the relationship to new heights, he extoled.
The High Commissioner underscored that the Government of Pakistan is engaged in Sri Lanka’s social sector development as well. Some of the projects being sponsored include construction of houses, schools and drinking water wells, setting up computer training centers, upgrading hospitals in rural areas. In addition, Pakistan has been providing educational and technical scholarships to Sri Lankan students over the last many decades, he added.
The High Commissioner also expressed his gratitude to the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Friendship, Trade and Investment Association for gifting 35 corneas to the people of Pakistan.
Shakeel Hussain conveyed warm regards and best wishes from the government and people of Pakistan to the government and people of Sri Lanka.
The High Commissioner hoisted the Flag of Pakistan and cut National Day Cake with Children during the ceremony attended by a large number of participants from various walks of life including members of the Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship, Trade and Investment Association, Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Council, prominent Sri Lankan personalities, Pakistani community and wide section of media. APP Hamza/ VNS Colombo
