ISLAMABAD: Pakistani diplomatic missions around the globe commemorated the 78th anniversary of independence through vibrant flag-raising ceremonies and activities that underscored the historical importance of the day.
Saudi Arabia
In Jeddah, the Consulate General of Pakistan marked the occasion with a dignified flag hoisting at the under-construction Chancery building. Consul General Khalid Majid presided over the event, joined by prominent members of the Pakistani community and cricket legend Javed Miandad, who watched proudly as the national flag was raised to the national anthem. Special messages from Pakistan’s President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister were read aloud, while students from the Pakistani School delivered patriotic speeches highlighting Pakistan’s rich history, cultural diversity, and recent achievements. In his remarks, Consul General Khalid Majid emphasized the significance of independence and paid homage to the country’s founding fathers. He highlighted recent milestones, including the success of Marka-e-Haq, which he described as a historic moment demonstrating Pakistan’s resilience. He also expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership and community for their support, applauding the contributions of the Pakistani diaspora in Jeddah toward economic growth and fostering brotherly ties. Notable community figures like Mr. Masood Ahmad Puri and Ch Shahabaz Hussain addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of freedom and unity. The celebration concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony, distribution of gifts to children, and prayers for Pakistan’s prosperity and peace in regions like Kashmir and Palestine. A new Pakistani Chancery building will soon be inaugurated, promising enhanced services, making this celebration especially meaningful for the community and mission in Saudi Arabia.
Egypt
The Pakistani Embassy in Cairo celebrated Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day with enthusiasm. Ambassador Aamir Shouket hoisted the national flag at the Chancery, followed by the national anthem, Quran recitation, and messages from Pakistan’s top leaders. Ambassador Shouket paid homage to the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s founders led by Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He praised the nation’s unity and resilience, especially highlighting Pakistan’s recent achievements like Operation Bunyan-Al-Marsoos in May 2025, which bolstered its international standing. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri and Palestinian peoples. The ambassador also noted the strengthening political, economic, and cultural ties between Pakistan and Egypt, acknowledging the Pakistani community’s vital role in the bilateral relationship.
United Arab Emirates
In Abu Dhabi, the Pakistani Embassy hosted a flag-raising event filled with patriotic spirit. The celebration saw a large turnout from the Pakistani community and their families. Messages from Pakistan’s leadership were read, and Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi delivered a heartfelt address emphasizing unity, faith, and discipline as pillars of Pakistan’s ongoing development. He praised the nation’s resilience amidst external pressures, citing recent successes like Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos as testaments to Pakistan’s strong national spirit. The ambassador highlighted the community’s role in supporting Pakistan’s economy through remittances of USD 7.9 billion last year and announced the launch of an online system for passport and NICOP tracking to improve consular services. He also commended the efforts to improve educational access, noting that Pakistani schools in the UAE have achieved notable rankings. The celebrations culminated in a large event at Dubai Expo City on August 10, attended by around 60,000 people, featuring portraits of Jinnah and Iqbal, patriotic songs, and cultural performances.
Dubai
The Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai commemorated Independence Day with a flag-raising ceremony, attended by a large community gathering. Messages from Pakistan’s leadership were read, and Consul General Hussain Muhammad praised the nation’s resilience and achievements in Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. He encouraged the Pakistani diaspora to continue contributing to Pakistan’s progress and appreciated UAE’s support for Pakistan’s celebrations, including the event organized at Expo City Dubai. The program featured musical performances by students and a quiz on Pakistan’s history.
Singapore
At Pakistan House in Singapore, a flag-raising ceremony marked the 78th anniversary of independence. The event began with Quran recitation, and Charge d’Affaires Salman Mahmood raised the national flag to the national anthem. He paid tribute to Pakistan’s founders and the sacrifices of the armed forces, emphasizing the importance of diaspora contributions to Pakistan’s economic growth. The ceremony included prayers for Pakistan and for the people of Indian-occupied Jammu & Kashmir, with community members observing a moment of silence to honor those who fought for independence.
