MESSAGE OF

ADMIRAL ABDUL AZIZ MIRZA (RETD)

AMBASSADOR OF PAKISTAN TO SAUDI ARABIA

ON THE OCCASION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY

14 AUGUST, 2005

             We are today celebrating  another year of our independence we are confronted with new challenges and opportunities.  On 14 August 1947 the world saw the culmination of an epic  democratic  struggle, under the outstanding leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, in independence for tens of millions of Muslims of the sub-continent. I felicitate all Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia on this occasion and join them in expressing gratitude to the great leader under whose able leadership a dream was turned into reality. 
            Every year, August 14 reminds us of the sacrifices rendered by millions for the cause of achieving a homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent. It is day to look back and reflect on our achievements of the past fifty-eight years and on what remains to be achieved. Let us together endeavour to make Pakistan a modern, Islamic welfare states envisioned by the Quaid-e-Azam.
            Under the leadership of President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Pakistan is firmly poised to march ahead as a genuine democracy and a progressive Islamic state. Sound economic policies have started to bear fruit. Far-reaching political, economic and social reforms are being undertaken. The Government is making all efforts to achieve its aims and fulfill promises made to the people.
            Our relations with Saudi Arabia have always been extremely warm and fraternal, based on abiding principles of faith and heritage. The people of Pakistan value this special bond with their Saudi brethren. Khadim Al-Harmain Al-Sharifain, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and HRH Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud are held in greatest esteem by the people of Pakistan. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy similarity of views on all major international issues and issues of concern to the Ummah. Let us show our solidarity with the Government and people of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the sad demise of Late King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz  Al Saud and pray for the departed soul to be in eternal peace.  His Majesty King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz  Al Saud will lead the Kingdom from the front and Saudi Arabia will continue on its path of prosperity and development.
            As Ambassador of Pakistan in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I take immense pride in the role played by a million strong Pakistani community in the development of Saudi Arabia. The Pakistani community in the Kingdom has for decades worked with great zeal and dedication towards the progress and economic development of Saudi Arabia. I am glad to see that our Saudi brethren greatly value the efforts made by Pakistanis in their country’s rapid development in all sectors.
            I would also like to take this opportunity to call on all my countrymen to continue their hard work and dedication. You are all Pakistani ambassadors in this country and must always keep Pakistan’s interest as your top most priority and endeavour to make the bonds between the two fraternal countries even stronger.