Leaders, envoys extend greetings, felicitations to Pakistan on I-Day

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz AlSaud and Prime Minister Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz AlSaud through separate messages extended congratulations to President Asif Ali Zardari on Pakistan’s independence day, wishing him continued good health and happiness and the government and people of Pakistan steady progress and prosperity. They praised strong relations binding the two countries and peoples, highlighting the shared commitment to advancing cooperation across all fields.

In a message, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the president, and the prime minister, saying that Islamabad and Moscow maintained productive cooperation in political, economic and humanitarian fields while working together on key regional and global issues. “I am confident that we will continue our constructive joint efforts to further strengthen the entire spectrum of our partnership for the benefit of Russia and Pakistan, and in the interests of enhancing international security and stability.” He wished the Pakistani leadership good health and success and the Pakistani people peace and prosperity.

Qatar ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to President Asif Zardari on the anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence Day. Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tarik and Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah congratulated Pakistan in their messages to the president. Bahrain Prime Minister Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa also extended greetings to Pakistan on the occasion. He conveyed his independence day greetings to President Asif Ali Zardari. In a separate message, he also extended greetings to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

In a message to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described Pakistan’s Independence Day as a valuable opportunity to honor achievements of the nation, reaffirming firm resolve to further strengthen relations with Islamabad. He expressed readiness to take effective steps to advance ties and secure the common interests. He noted the shared interests have become inextricably interwoven, a reality that underscores the need for greater synergy and closer cooperation. He stressed that a new turning point has begun in deepening and expanding the longstanding and strategic relations.

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz extended his greetings to Pakistan, describing bilateral ties as being rooted in a close bond between the two peoples. “Our relations with Pakistan are based on an exceptional brotherhood nourished by our shared history, common values, and our determination to stand by each other in difficult times,” he said. He said the recent defense agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye had added a new dimension to relations between Islamabad and Ankara.

Iranian Minister for Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi congratulated his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar, and said that continued political consultations and the strengthening of economic, trade, border, security, and cultural cooperation between the two countries would pave the way to leverage existing capacities and secure their shared interests. Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Cairo looked forward to further deepening the historic friendship and strengthening the partnership for the benefit of the two peoples.

Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended congratulations to Pakistan. “The Federal Republic of Somalia congratulates the government and people of Pakistan on their 79th independence anniversary, reaffirming our commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and friendship between our two nations,” it said. Georgia expressed its cordial wishes for peace and prosperity of Pakistani people, adding that it was looking forward to further advancing friendly relations.

Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from friendly countries have extended warm felicitations to the government and people of Pakistan on the occasion of the independence day, reaffirming their commitment to stronger ties, peace and regional prosperity. Dean of Diplomatic Corps Ambassador Atadjan Movlamov conveyed heartfelt greetings on behalf of the diplomatic community, praising Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic engagement and efforts towards peace and dialogue. He highlighted the longstanding Pak-Turkmenistan friendship and appreciated the government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, state institutions, media and business community for their support to the diplomatic corps.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong met Ishaq Dar, congratulated him and reaffirmed the close and time-tested ties between Islamabad and Beijing. Indonesian Ambassador Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo underscored the close historical, cultural and religious bonds between Pakistan and Indonesia, noting significance of their national days falling just three days apart. He wished Pakistan continued peace, prosperity and development, concluding with Pakistan Zindabad. Uzbek Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev expressed confidence in the further expansion of bilateral relations. He prayed for Pakistan’s strength, unity, prosperity and a peaceful future.

Philippine Ambassador Dr Emmanuel Fernandez extended warm greetings, highlighting Pakistan’s efforts towards economic prosperity and enduring relationship between the two countries, which spans more than seven decades. Egyptian Ambassador Dr Ihab Abdelhamid reaffirmed the deep-rooted historical and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Egypt, expressing his desire to expand cooperation in political, economic and cultural fields. He wished Pakistan continued peace, security and prosperity. Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Anh Tuan extended warm congratulations, noting the continued strengthening and expansion of friendship and cooperation across various fields.

Tajik Ambassador Yusuf Toir Sharifzoda described Pakistan as an important partner for Tajikistan and highlighted the two countries’ centuries-old historical and cultural links. He expressed confidence that their strategic partnership would continue to grow. Kyrgyz Charge d’Affaires Aibek Tilebaliev reaffirmed the close friendship between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan, and expressed the hope for greater cooperation and stronger bilateral relations, concluding with Pakistan Zindabad.

In his congratulatory message, Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev extended greetings to the people of Pakistan on the occasion of the independence day, highlighting the friendly and mutually respectful ties between the two countries. “Pakistan’s independence day reflected the courage, determination and strong spirit of the people,” he said. Pakistan had followed its own path of development over decades, guided by ideals and aspirations of its founding fathers, he said. He highlighted the long-standing cooperation between Pakistan and Russia, saying the two countries maintained close and constructive relations in various fields.

He expressed confidence that the two countries would continue to strengthen mutual understanding and expand their partnership for the benefit of their peoples. He said that the independence day was a time of national pride, joy and celebration, and expressed hope that peace, stability and prosperity would prevail across Pakistan. He wished the Pakistani people good health, success and prosperity and concluded his message with the slogans, Pakistan Zindabad! Rus-Pak Dosti Paindabad!

In his message, Vietnam Ambassador Pham Anh Tuan extended warm congratulations and best wishes to the government and people of Pakistan. On behalf of the Embassy of Vietnam in Pakistan and on his own behalf, he said that he was pleased to see that friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Vietnam continued to strengthen and expand across various fields. He highlighted economic and trade cooperation as an important pillar of bilateral relations, noting that the two countries were actively advancing negotiations on the preferential trade agreement.

He expressed the hope that the agreement would further facilitate trade and investment, while creating stronger linkages between the business communities of the two countries. On the auspicious occasion, he wished Pakistan continued peace, stability, prosperity and development. He expressed the hope that the multifaceted friendship and cooperation would continue to deepen, broaden and flourish for the benefit of the two peoples and for peace, cooperation and development in the region and beyond. “Happy Independence Day, Pakistan!” he said.

International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) President Prof Ahmed Saad Alahmed, a prominent Saudi scholar, extended heartfelt felicitations to the people of Pakistan on the independence day. He said Pakistan was founded on the conviction that binds Muslims together—the concept of the Muslim Ummah and the ties of faith. “This week, in the sanctified precincts of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, that historic bond was consolidated once again through the Makkah Accord.” He said the dignity and sanctity of one Muslim nation was a concern shared by the entire Muslim Ummah.

He said he had a personal bond with Pakistanis because of his stay in the country. He said the Pakistani people were blessed with a level of talent and resilience possessed by few other nations. He expressed confidence that the International Islamic University Islamabad would secure a prominent position among the world’s leading universities. He prayed for unity, peace and prosperity among the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Pakistan’s independence day. The university also held a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Faisal Mosque to mark the day.