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Qatar tribune
L N MALLICK 
The Pakistani community in Qatar yesterday (Saturday) observed their country’s National Day with traditional fervour and enthusiasm. 
The Pakistan Day is celebrated on March 23 in remembrance of the historic 1940 resolution passed at Lahore, calling for a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent that ultimately led to the creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947. 
The celebrations of the day kicked-off with a prestigious and impressive flag hoisting ceremony held at the Pakistan embassy premises in diplomatic area in the morning. 
The function started with the recitation of some verses from the Holy Quran by Pakistan embassy’s Community Welfare Attache Hafiz Junaid Amir Sial. A large number of Pakistanis, clad in traditional dresses, attended the function along with their families.
Pakistan ambassador HE Syed Ahsan Raza Shah  unfurled the white-green Pakistani flag to the tune of Pakistan's national anthem. A smart contingent of Pakistan Armed Forces presented a march past and salute to the national flag much to the excitement of the community members.  
Speaking on the occasion, the ambassador congratulated his compatriots on the auspicious occasion of their country’s National Day.  He paid rich tributes to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Muhammad Iqbal and other leaders of the independence movement of Pakistan. 
The envoy highlighted that bilateral relations between Pakistan and Qatar are based on historical bonds of a shared faith, heritage and culture. He also expressed the hope that brotherly relations would be further strengthened in the years ahead. He expressed pride in the contribution of the Pakistani community in the remarkable progress and prosperity of the State of Qatar.
Earlier, First Secretary Sarwar Hussain read out special messages sent by President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan in which both the leaders highlighted the importance of the day and paid tributes leaders of the Pakistan Movement whose concerted efforts led to the creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947.  
 “The Pakistan of today is a New Pakistan. We are endeavoring to make the country a true Islamic welfare state. We are committed to establishing a society which is based on compassion and justice and where every person can contribute towards socio-economic development to the best of his ability. We desire friendly and peaceful relations with all our neighbors, based on the principle of equality. We want countries of the region to join hands for eliminating poverty and help their people achieve socio-economic prosperity. We want to make it clear that our desire for peace should not be treated as a weakness. Pakistan reserves the right to take every step for its defence. By the grace of Allah Almighty our defence is impregnable.   We are proud of our gallant armed forces. The courage of our armed forces, the capability of our national security institutions and their countless sacrifices have foiled nefarious designs of the enemies of Pakistan. The entire world witnessed it during the recent Indian aggression and we emerged from the situation even stronger than before. Today, we should not forget our Kashmiri brethren who have long been victim of Indian state terrorism and are forced to lead a life of misery. While expressing our solidarity with our Kashmiri brethren on this occasion we salute their courage and acknowledge their sacrifices. We reaffirm our resolve to continue our political, diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmir cause at every international forum,” said Prime Minister Imran Khan in his message.
President Dr Arif Alvi in his message said: “Pakistan has surmounted unprecedented challenges and demonstrated resilience in the face of extra-ordinary circumstances. It has accomplished exemplary successes in fight against terrorism and extremism. However, there still remains the challenge of socio-economic development. We need to work even more for national progress and prosperity. We are committed to democracy, justice, and peace. Given our human talent and natural resources, our potential is immense. We are destined to achieve the status of a model democratic state, as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.”  
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23/03/2019
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