ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence, officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs came together to pay a heartfelt musical tribute to the homeland.

The Officers re-recorded the iconic milli naghma (national song) penned by Kaleem Usmani and sung by Mehdi Hassan, “Yeh Watan tumhara hai (this is your country)”. This famous milli naghma was chosen for its powerful message that reminds all Pakistanis to treasure and protect the homeland that was created through the independence struggle by our forefathers led by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and with the blood of the martyrs in its soil. We are reminded of our duty to our homeland, to its skies and to its waters, with discipline and dedication – to rise to our responsibility as guardians of this country. It has a powerful message for the youth of Pakistan to cherish their identity and remember that it is their hard work and determination that will take this country forward.

True to the spirit of the song calling on the people to rise to the occasion and recognize their duty as guardians of our homeland, the officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs perform their duties conscientiously as the first line of defence for Pakistan.

The video showcases the life and work within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its various locations, its iconic buildings, the officers’ daily work routine in the Ministry, official meetings, the scenic views from the Foreign Service Hostels and last but not the least, officers undergoing training in the Foreign Service Academy.

This song was recorded and filmed in collaboration with Pakistan Television, Radio Pakistan and renowned singer and composer Mr. Owais Niazi.

Mrs. Samina Alvi highlights Pakistan’s diversity, and the efforts towards the preservation of traditional handicrafts of the country

Mahnoor Ansar

ISLAMABAD: On Independence Day weekend, Serena Hotels organised a Crafts Bazaar to celebrate the Pakistan’s 75th Independence Day, in collaboration with Behbud Crafts. This two-day event focused on promoting, recognizing and celebrating the unique culture, tradition and talent that exists in Pakistan.

This event, held under Serena Hotels’ Cultural Diplomacy initiative, acknowledged the skill, creativity and the hard work of women who provide support, represent and exhibit the different colours of Pakistan through their craftwork. The event was organized in the Kehkashan Hall to celebrate Pakistan. Hand-crafted traditional apparel, table linens, reusable tote bags, fabric face masks printed in unique designs, and locally embroidered shawls and dupattas were displayed. Since the bazaar was Independence-themed, the items on display exhibited the different styles of embroidery that are native to Pakistan.

The First Lady, Begum Samina Alvi, was the Chief Guest at the occasion. She appreciated the efforts towards women empowerment, highlighting Pakistan’s diversity, and the efforts towards the preservation of traditional handicrafts of the country.

This event also included a photo exhibition, displaying the best photography that captured the “People & Culture” of Pakistan – submitted in a yearly photography competition held by Serena called “Discover Pakistan.” This competition receives hundreds of submissions, and each submission is then carefully assessed by a panel of expert photographers, shortlisting the highest quality photos which are then published in a coffee table book format.

The event was attended by the citizens of Islamabad, including familiies, prominent men and women of the society; Government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps.

ISLAMABAD – Nation celebrates Diamond Jubilee, the 75th Anniversary of Independence Day of the motherland with a renewed pledge to work with the spirit of Pakistan Movement to make the country a true Islamic welfare state.

The day dawned with thirty-one gun salute in the Federal Capital and twenty-one gun salute in the provincial headquarters. Prayers were offered for security and progress of Pakistan and well-being of the people. National flag has been hoisting at all important public and private buildings.

Public and private buildings as well as streets, bazaars and markets have been profusely illuminated.

National flags, buntings, portraits of founding fathers, posters and banners are also seen everywhere as part of the celebration of Independence Day.

President, PM congratulate nation on 75th Anniversary of Independence Day

President Dr. Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have congratulated the nation on the 75th Anniversary of Independence Day of Pakistan.

In their separate messages, they said that this day reminds us of the innumerable sacrifices rendered by our founding fathers under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for carving this homeland “Pakistan” for us.

The President said today, we also reaffirm our resolve to uphold Pakistan’s ideology and make Pakistan an ideal modern Islamic welfare nation-state.

In his message, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said the Day is a watershed moment in our nation’s history.

He said today, we pay rich tributes to Muslims of the sub-continent and express our collective gratitude to them for their heroic struggle, and epic sacrifices for the creation of a new state.

Shehbaz Sharif said establishment of Pakistan is an outcome of the Quaid-i-Azam’s single-minded devotion, unflinching resolve and his unwavering struggle.

The Prime Minister said while celebrating the Independence Day, let us seek guidance from the ideology and thoughts of our founding fathers and put the welfare of our people at the center of our mission of national rejuvenation.

He said let us, vow to turn Pakistan into a nation-state that is reflective of the ideals of our founding fathers.

“Why this nation is still lost even when God has blessed it?” he questioned.

Shujaat Hamza

ISLAMABAD: On the eve of August 14, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the nation that there is no concept of a nation’s independence without economic self-reliance.

In a televised address to the nation on Saturday, the prime minister reiterated his call for the formation of a “charter of economy”, saying that time has come for Pakistan to head in the right direction.

“We should keep national interest above personal interest […] as real political leadership does not look towards the next elections, but at the future of the next generation,” he said.

“Most importantly, we will need to revive the passion that led to the creation of Pakistan,” he said, noting that this passion will lead to the establishment of a great nation.

The prime minister’s call for economic stability comes as the cash-strapped nation desperately seeks financial assistance from friendly countries and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The country’s foreign reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan were recorded at $7,830.3 million, down $555 million compared with $8,385.4 on July 29, data released by the SBP on Thursday showed, which can cover fewer than 1.12 months.

Shehbaz Sharif-led government came into power in April after the ouster of PTI Chairman Imran Khan — and since then, the incumbent rulers have been trying to stabilise the economy.

At the outset of his address, the prime minister congratulated the nation on completing 75 years as an independent nation.

He said that the people celebrate Independence Day, Pakistan Day, Quaid-e-Azam Day, and Iqbal Day but the “truth” is, in the last 75 years, the nation has only only celebrated these days but not acknowledged the founding father’s purpose.

The premier noted that the country failed to provide the young generation what they deserved.

“Why this nation is still lost even when God has blessed it?” he questioned.

Bureau Report

LAHORE: Ch. Pervez Elahi Chief Minister Punjab has said Imran Khan has good relations with the armed forces of Pakistan adding all conspiracies to pitch PTI against Army have failed.

He expressed these views while speaking in the PTI rally in Lahore. He further said Imran Khan is the only person who can steer this country clear out of all crises. He declared Imran Khan a messiah after Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Lahore: The PTI’s power show is underway at Lahore’s Hockey Ground tonight (Saturday). Party chairman Imran Khan has reached the venue and will address the gathering, which will be telecast across the country. At midnight, a fireworks display and flag-hoisting ceremony will also be held.

Last week, the PTI announced to hold a “historic power show” in Hockey Ground on the eve of Pakistan’s 75th independence day, which will be celebrated tomorrow.

Talking to media persons at the rally’s venue earlier today, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said that the theme of the gathering was “Haqeeqi Azadi”.

“What is true freedom? It is believing that we won’t bow down in front of anyone except God. This is Imran’s goal and this is the theme of our rally.”

He went on to say that the PTI chairman would reveal the future strategy of the party tonight as the “party has entered the final stages of our movement”.