Pakistan Day celebrated in Maldives

The Pakistan Day, a national holiday in Pakistan celebrated annually on March 23, has been marked by the Pakistan High Commission in Maldives.

The national holiday was celebrated in an event held at the Pakistan High Commission building in Hulhumale’.

The event was attended by the Pakistani diaspora in the Maldives, as well as the management and coaches of Pakistan’s U-20 football team, who are in Male’ to participate in the SAFF U-20 Championship.

The event began with High Commissioner Vice Admiral (Retired) Faisal Rasul Lodhi hoisting the national flag at the High Commission’s premises, followed by the reading of special messages on occasion of Pakistan Day by the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan.

This was followed by an address by High Commissioner Lodhi, in which he extended heartfelt felicitations to Pakistani community, and underscored the historic significance of the Pakistan Day.

“We pay tribute and honor to the unwavering efforts, vision, and determination of our ancestors that resulted in an independent Pakistan. It was the vision of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal and subsequently, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah led the Pakistan movement, overcoming numerous challenges with remarkable intellect, resilience, bravery, and conviction,” he said.

Lodhi noted that the year 2026 has been declared by the Pakistani government as the golden jubilee year of Ali Jinnah’s 150th birthday to honor his legacy.

“While we celebrate this legacy, we must reaffirm our dedication to the values of unity, faith, and discipline that have led us up to this point. We also pay tribute to our martyrs and heroes, who continue to bring pride to Pakistan,” he said.

Lodhi said that Pakistan has come a long way since its independence in 1947.

“Our forefathers charted the national course for peace, prosperity and stability amidst complex challenges in terms of economy, security and geopolitical domains. The journey has been tough, but with resilience and preservation demonstrated by people of Pakistan we have been able to sustain, and thrive against all odds,” he said.

Lodhi said that Pakistan remains firmly committed to multilateral cooperation and diplomacy for peace at all levels, and firmly believes in the UN charter and the sanctity of international law. “Pakistan therefore, strongly demand implementation of UN resolutions both in Palestine and IIOJK. On this day, we also honor the struggle and sacrifices of our Kashmiri and Palestinian brothers and sisters in their quest for the inalienable right to self-determination,” he said.

“Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to providing moral and diplomatic support. We also take this opportunity to pray together for a perpetual peace in the neighborhood and across the globe for all Muslims as well as the humanity. Pakistan continues to play our formidable role to persuade all stake holders for peace through negotiations and not war.”

He also highlighted on relations between Maldives and Pakistan, which he said are characterized by common faith, culture, legacies, interests, and mutual respect and trust.

“The scale of this cooperation has expanded considerably over the years and under the present governments on both sides, it continues to flourish along a positive trajectory,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with prayers for the peace, progress, and prosperity of Pakistan.