VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: The Embassy of Pakistan in Jakarta commemorated Pakistan's 78th Independence Day with traditional fervor in a dignified ceremony attended by a large gathering of the Pakistani diaspora, their families, Indonesian friends, and representatives of both electronic and print media.

The event began with the hoisting of the National Flag by H.E. Ambassador Ameer Khurram Rathore, followed by the reading of messages from the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.

In his address, Ambassador Rathore paid tribute to the founding fathers of Pakistan, particularly Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, whose leadership led to the creation of an independent Pakistan on 14 August 1947. He highlighted the achievements of Pakistan over the years and reaffirmed the commitment of the government and people to building a prosperous and progressive nation. The Ambassador also emphasized the importance of stability and growth, in line with the vision of the country's founding leaders.

Ambassador Rathore reiterated Pakistan's commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, and the Islamic way of life as envisioned by its founders. He also expressed unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming Pakistan's moral, political, and diplomatic backing for their right to self-determination. Additionally, he extended solidarity with the Palestinian people and reiterated Pakistan's support for their just cause.

Addressing Pakistan-Indonesia relations, Ambassador Rathore highlighted the deep-rooted historical ties and shared values between the two nations, tracing back to the days of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and President Sukarno. He expressed satisfaction with the expanding bilateral relations and emphasized the need to explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in trade, defense, culture, and education. The Ambassador also recognized the significant contributions of the Pakistani community in Indonesia, acknowledging their role in strengthening the bonds between the two countries.

As part of the celebrations, the Embassy hosted a small exhibition showcasing the paintings of Mrs. Selim Bibi, an artist of Pakistani-Indonesian heritage. Despite facing severe health challenges in her late seventies, Mrs. Selim Bibi turned to painting as part of her recovery. Her artworks, many reflecting her deep connection to Pakistan, added a poignant and personal touch to the day’s events, resonating well with the attendees.

The ceremony concluded with a sense of pride and unity, reflecting the strong ties between Pakistan and Indonesia, and the shared aspirations of both nations for a prosperous future.