By Emb Hashmi
British Pakistani’s celebrated Pakistan Independence Day throughout the UK. Asian World attended the celebrations and the flag raising ceremony held in Birmingham. The event attracted Pakistani people from every walk of life from business people to politicians to lawyers, and of course, a large selection of the Pakistani media. The consulate in Birmingham where the event was held was packed to the roof tops with excited onlookers pleased to take part in the day’s celebrations, most of whom were old enough to remember the partition, so it was quite an emotional day for them.
Asian World spoke to the consulate general of Pakistan based in Birmingham, Sher Bahadur Khan, who said: “It is important to celebrate the independence of Pakistan outside of Pakistan so educate the young generation and keep the link going.”
Pakistan High Commission London celebrates Independence Day
To mark the 68th Independence Day of Pakistan, a flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Pakistan High Commission in London on 14th August 2014. Acting High Commissioner Mohammad Imran Mirza hoisted the national flag and the messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan for this occasion were read out by the Acting High Commissioner and Minister Political Dr Israr Hussain respectively.
In their messages, both the leaders extended heartiest felicitation to the entire nation on this auspicious occasion, and paid fulsome tribute to the heroic struggle of the Muslims of the sub-continent under the leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for a separate homeland.
President Mamnoon Hussain said in his message:
“A state created through democratic process, rule of law and constitutionalism is being governed today by a democratically elected government. Let us pledge today that we would continue to uphold the banners of democracy, constitutionalism and rule of law, and let us reiterate our commitment to follow the principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline as our strength and guide towards reaching our ultimate destination.”
In his message, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said:
“The Pakistan envisioned by the Quaid was to be democratic, moderate and progressive, governed by the rule of law and guaranteeing equal rights to all its citizens. Sadly, too often in our short and turbulent history, we have fallen short of living up to this ideal. So let us, on this day, redeem our pledge to build the Quaid’s Pakistan. To do this we must first reclaim our country from forces of darkness and obscurantism. Operation Zarb-e-Azb is a step in that direction.”
The Acting High Commissioner said:
“Pakistan is passing through a critical juncture of its history as we are faced with the menace of extremism and militancy that has claimed thousands of innocent lives including armed forces and civilians. I honour the spirit of patriotism of these men, women and children. Let us renew our resolve to never forget the sacrifices of our martyrs.”
On this occasion, the school children presented popular national songs. Begum Aysha Imran Mirza cut the cake and gave away prizes to school children.
