Braving the sweltering heat, they had occasion to mix the formal with the informal to partake the joy of freedom.
Families turned out in large numbers, in colourful attire, mostly preferring to match the green visage of the national flag.
Some cars were also bedecked in the same.
The atmosphere had a touch of entertainment to it, with pop patriotism in full swing — foot-tapping national songs blaring through the music system doing its bit to lift the spirit on a humid day. Deputy Head of Mission Wajid Hassan Hashmi hoisted the national flag as the audience sang in unison.
Sadia Gohar, third secretary at the embassy, then took the podium to read out a message from President Mamnoon Hussain.
“Today, we are celebrating our Independence Day with a new zeal and vigour. I am confident that our determination will pave the way for political, economic and social stability in the coming days. Our country has been confronted with many challenges since the last few years but the nation has boldly faced them through its unshakeable resolve,” the president was quoted as saying.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, on the other hand, reflected with poignancy about loss of lives in the country’s anti-terror war.
“This year, the day of 14th August, besides the traditional pleasure, also carries deep feelings of grief. The pain of Quetta’s martyrs is still fresh. Today, we are also remembering those martyrs, who sacrificed their lives to protect this independence. This day is dawning with the determination of Pakistani nation that Pakistan, with the grace of Allah Almighty, will remain forever,” the PM said.He however, reinforced the resolve to safeguard freedom.
“The protection of independence is even harder than its achievement. Without the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam, the creation of Pakistan was impossible. If our armed forces, security institutions, police and people did not shed their blood, its (Pakistan’s) survival and security was impossible. In the month of August, when we remember the Quaid, leaders and workers of the Pakistan movement, our hearts are also enlightened with the memory of those martyrs, who have become immortal by sacrificing their lives for the country,” the prime minister noted.
Sharif also dedicated this year’s celebration to the new generation of Kashmiris in Indian-administered Kashmir, who, he said, “has raised the flag of freedom with a new vigour”.
Deputy Head of Mission Wajid Hassan Hashmi while thanking the gathering for taking time out to celebrate the occasion despite the testy weather said it was important to recall the sacrifices of the brave citizens who have rendered their lives for the country and thanks to whom “a brave new Pakistan is emerging after trying times”.
“We salute those who made this country, we salute those who saved this country, we salute those who nurtured it and we salute those who are toiling day and night to set it on the path of development,” Hashmi said, reserving special praise for expatriate Pakistanis who have “held aloft the crescent moon and star flag with pride away from home.”
Hashmi was also sanguine about the state of relations with Qatar, saying the two brotherly Islamic countries were moving ahead with great vigour and vitality in the diplomatic and economic spheres and even hinted at a prospective breakthrough regarding the Pakistani workforce.
In conclusion, he listed out a number of steps the embassy has taken recently to meet the burgeoning demand of passport renewals and issuance, urging the nationals to co-operate with the mission in further improving ways and means for deliverance.
The mustachioed Malik Sarfraz, a cheerleader known for his vocal support for all things Pakistani around Doha, was again at hand to brighten the mood in the embassy hall with full throated slogans, and an indulgent attempt at rendering the popular national song Is Parcham Ke Saaye Tale Hum Eik Hain (We’re all one under this flag) to wide applause.
The large gathering was treated to the traditional Lahori breakfast made of halwa, puri, chana and tea — hot from the oven as it were, making Doha feel just like home.
Emir greets president
HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday sent a cable of congratulations to the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain on the anniversary of his country’s Independence Day. HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani also sent similar cables.
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