COLOMBO, AUG 14 (DNA) – The High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka and the Pakistani community today celebrated 70th Independence Anniversary of Pakistan in a befitting manner, the High Commission said in a release.

The Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Dr. Sarfraz Ahmed Khan Sipra hoisted the national flag of Pakistan at a colorful ceremony held at the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo this morning to mark the occasion. Later, the messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out to the participants.

In his message, the Acting High Commissioner Dr. Sarfraz Sipra said that Pakistan is our identity that we earned through immense sacrifices. He underlined that countless people gave their blood to kindle the light of freedom and millions had to migrate for this purpose. It is a day of happiness and a day of renewing our pledges that we will continue to struggle with unity and oneness for the objectives for which Pakistan was created, he added.

On Sri Lanka-Pakistan relations, Dr. Sipra said that it is a matter of great satisfaction that Pakistan and Sri Lanka continue to maintain their traditionally close and mutually beneficial relations in all fields. The process of bilateral cooperation has been greatly assisted by ever increasing multifaceted interaction both at the level of people and leaders of our two countries. He lauded that the two countries have achieved development, progress and prosperity over the last 70 years through mutual cooperation and expressed the hope that it will continue in the years to come.

On the occasion, Dr. Sipra formally presented the official photograph of the investiture ceremony held at the President office in Islamabad to Mr. Ifthikhar Aziz where he was awarded Tamgha-e-Khidmat in recognition of his meritorious service to Pakistan. Mr. Aziz has the distinguished honor to serve as the President of Pakistan Sri Lanka Friendship, Trade and Investment Association for the 8th consecutive year.

This year, Pakistan is celebrating 70th anniversary of independence. The High Commission of Pakistan has planned a number of activities including launch of a book “An Enduring Friendship: Sri Lanka and Pakistan ” today evening. Painting Competition on “Buddhist and Gandhara Art and Cultural Heritage of Pakistan” open for all Sri Lankan citizens, Pakistan Film Festival and many other activities in this regard are also planned.

The flag hoisting ceremony was attended by a large number of participants from various walks of life including members of the Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship, Trade and Investment Association, Sri Lanka Pakistan Business Council, prominent Sri Lankan personalities and the Pakistani community based in Sri Lanka. A traditional Pakistani breakfast was also served to the attendees.=DNA

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