|| Pakistan Independence Day was observed at the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka on Friday. The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by High Commissioner Mr. Imran Haider to the tune of the national anthem.A large number of Pakistani community members living in Bangladesh, Bangladeshi friends, well-wishers, students, journalists and members of civil society attended the event.Messages of the President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, were read out to the audience.The leadership of the country extended heartfelt felicitations to Pakistanis at home and abroad on the occasion of Independence Day. They paid earnest tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Father of the Nation, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, and the dedicated workers of the Pakistan Movement, whose sacrifices, vision and unwavering commitment led to the creation of Pakistan.Highlighting Pakistan’s remarkable achievements across various fields, including education, science and technology, sports and defence, since independence, the leadership emphasised the need to uphold Quaid’s guiding principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline to achieve the country’s development goals and realise the vision of the founding fathers.Rich tribute was paid to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces and the law-enforcement agencies rendered in war against terrorism. Proudly recalling the resounding success of Operation Marak e Haq against India, the leadership reiterated its resolve to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It was underscored that Pakistan will continue to play its role in promoting regional peace, prosperity and security.The leadership renewed Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and reaffirmed the country’s commitment towards the resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and aspirations of Kashmiri people.On this occasion, prizes and certificates were also distributed among Bangladeshi students who took part in an essay competition titled “Historical Sites in Pakistan” organised by the High Commission.The celebrations concluded with special prayers for the peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.