Islamabad (News Reporter) A dignified ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Khalid Aftab Salehri, Chairman of the Pakistan Human Rights Party, in connection with Pakistan’s Independence Day. The event was attended by Zahra Shah Baig, the diplomatic counselor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik’s wife Mishal Malik, Vice Chairman of the National Unity Party Muhammad Bashir Raja, founder of Lions International Spateen Raza Lodhi, along with representatives from political, social, human rights, and civil society sectors.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Khalid Aftab Salehri emphasized that Pakistan’s Independence Day reminds us of the timeless sacrifices of our elders. He stated that every individual must play their role in promoting human rights, rule of law, justice, peace, and national unity while valuing freedom. He added that raising a voice for the fundamental human rights of oppressed nations is a crucial responsibility of human rights organizations.
Iranian diplomatic representative Zahra Shah Baig congratulated the Pakistani nation on Independence Day, stating that freedom is a great blessing and a source of pride for any nation. She noted that Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly neighboring countries with strong historical, cultural, religious, and public ties. Iran wishes for Pakistan’s development, stability, peace, and prosperity.
Mishal Malik remarked that Pakistan’s Independence Day holds special significance for the Kashmiri people as well. She urged the international community to take notice of the human rights situation in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and to play an effective role in advocating for the fundamental rights and right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.
Mohammad Bashir Raja stated that Pakistan’s independence is the fruit of the great sacrifices of millions of Muslims. He emphasized the need for unity for the stability, development, and national unity of the country. He asserted that the struggles and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people should not be forgotten, and Pakistan’s national voice on the Kashmir issue must always remain strong and effective.
During the ceremony, tributes were also paid to the services and sacrifices of the Pakistan Army and other national institutions. Speakers noted that national institutions have always played a vital role in ensuring Pakistan’s security, sovereignty, and stability, and it is due to their sacrifices and services that Pakistan remains strong and enduring.
The agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey was also praised, with hopes expressed that it would further strengthen mutual cooperation, peace, stability, and brotherly relations in the region.
At the end of the ceremony, Dr. Khalid Aftab Salehri and Kashmiri leader Mishal Malik distributed honorary certificates among the participants and paid tribute to those who played a prominent role in human rights, national service, peace, and social services. Spateen Raza Lodhi stated that civil society must enhance its role in promoting human rights, peace, tolerance, and humanitarian service. Independence Day provides us an opportunity to renew our responsibilities for a peaceful, strong, united, and prosperous Pakistan.
At the conclusion of the event, participants expressed their commitment to raise an effective voice for Pakistan’s development and prosperity, the protection of human rights, the promotion of Pakistan-Iran brotherly relations, the strengthening of national institutions, and the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people. Long live Pakistan, long live the Pakistan Army, long live Pakistan-Iran friendship, long live the friendship between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, long live Kashmir.