PESHAWAR
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday hoisted the national flag at the Governor House here during a dignified ceremony held to mark Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, reiterating the nation’s resolve to work for peace, stability and prosperity.
A smartly turned-out police contingent presented a guard of honour, while Iranian Consul General Ali Banafsheh Khah also attended the ceremony. The event began with the national anthem, followed by a special prayer for Pakistan’s progress, prosperity, peace and stability. Governor Kundi and the Iranian Consul General also cut a cake to celebrate the Independence Day.
Speaking to the media, the Governor extended heartfelt greetings to the nation on Independence Day and expressed gratitude to Allah for the blessing of living in a free country.
Referring to the inauguration of the Yadgar-e-Fateh monument in Islamabad on Thursday night, he said President Asif Ali Zardari inaugurated the memorial in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the chiefs of the armed forces and ambassadors from various countries.
The Governor paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country’s sovereignty and security. He also lauded the officers and personnel of the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, Police and other security forces for their invaluable services and sacrifices, saying the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stood united with the security forces for lasting peace, security and development.
Commenting on Pakistan’s diplomatic role during the Iran-US tensions, Governor Kundi said Pakistan played a positive and responsible role that was appreciated internationally. He said the Prime Minister, the Field Marshal, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Interior Minister made significant contributions towards regional peace and stability.
He urged the nation to remain united and play its role in ensuring Pakistan’s progress, prosperity and stability.
On the occasion, Iranian Consul General Ali Banafsheh Khah congratulated the government and people of Pakistan, particularly those of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on the country’s 79th Independence Day.
He said Iran was also celebrating the 79th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Pakistan and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation in culture, trade and economy.
The Consul General appreciated Governor Kundi’s efforts in promoting relations between the two neighbouring countries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and expressed best wishes for Pakistan’s peace, prosperity and continued progress. He reiterated Iran’s commitment to further strengthening the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, in his message on the 79th Independence Day, extended heartfelt greetings to the nation, particularly the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and said August 14, 1947, marked a historic milestone achieved through the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the unparalleled sacrifices of the founding generation.
He said freedom was a great blessing that must be safeguarded through unity, faith and discipline, urging the nation to work collectively for Pakistan’s progress, prosperity, democratic stability and national unity. Paying tribute to the sacrifices of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the martyrs of the Pakistan Army, Police, Frontier Corps and other law enforcement agencies, he said Independence Day also served as an occasion to honour those who laid down their lives for the country’s defence and peace.
The Governor expressed confidence that the country’s future was bright and that the younger generation, through education, dedication and hard work, would lead Pakistan towards greater development and prosperity.
