PISJ-ES unveils Pakistani flag created with thumb impressions

Updated 01 June 2013
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PISJ-ES unveils Pakistani flag created with thumb impressions

The students and faculty members of Pakistan International School Jeddah — English Section, created history by forming the largest flag of Pakistan with thumb impressions. The large flag had 2.5 million thumb impressions.
The 78 square-meter flag was jointly unveiled by School Principal Sehar Kamran and Pakistan’s Ambassador Mohammed Naeem Khan at the PISJ-ES sports ground on Thursday.
A large number of Pakistanis attended the event. The flag-unveiling ceremony was followed by a parade by the PISJ-ES scouts.
Kamran said it was the largest flag of Pakistan created with thumb impressions and the claim has been registered with the Guinness World Records. She said the school was in the process of compiling evidence to qualify for the world Guinness title.
“Let us reaffirm our commitment to keep our flag flying high and work together for the prosperity, progress and sovereignty of Pakistan. Let us not forget and pay tribute to those who have struggled for the creation of our beloved homeland. Let us be proud of our heritage and identity,” she said.
Kamran prayed for the prosperity and progress of Saudi Arabia and for good health and long life of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.
Students of different classes performed on patriotic songs. Y-R students performed on Khayal Rakhna, Y-1 on Salaam Pakistan, Y-2 students on Chand Roshan Chamakta Sitaara Rahe followed by Wania Jibran’s performance on Chand Meri Zameen.
Ambassador Naeem Khan said, “I am indeed very happy to be here at the flag unveiling ceremony. I express my appreciation and congratulate PISJ-ES for the unique initiative undertaken… Thousands of people have contributed for this flag and I pray that it will be the largest flag and will Insha Allah be recorded in Guinness Book.”
He said, “Pakistani flag represents Pakistani people of all backgrounds and our thumb impressions show our commitment toward our homeland. Our country has given us so much…. We should be proud of our heritage and forefathers.”
Addressing the students the ambassador said he was optimistic the students of PISJ-ES would create new chapters for Pakistan and keep the flag of Pakistan flying high. He said the students were “Goodwill Ambassadors of Pakistan.”
Other guests included Consul General of Pakistan Aftab Khokhar, Editor in Chief of Urdu News Tariq Mishkhas and representatives of Pakistan Journalist Forum.

Tariq Mishkhas also participated in creating the flag by imprinting his thumb impression.


Saudi Arabia protects rare marine ecosystems with 2 new reserves

Updated 12 November 2025
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Saudi Arabia protects rare marine ecosystems with 2 new reserves

  • Aim to protect 30% of Saudi by 2030
  • Unique biodiversity and tourism value

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers has included the Ras Hatiba and Blue Holes marine areas on the Kingdom’s national list of reserves, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The move reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to protecting biodiversity and advancing sustainable development goals under Vision 2030, the SPA reported.

Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, said the decision followed extensive biological, natural, and social studies confirming the two reserves’ unique biodiversity, and economic and tourism value.

Located northwest of Jeddah, Ras Hatiba covers 5,715 sq. km and features coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds — key habitats for green turtles, dugongs, whales, dolphins, and sharks.

The Blue Holes areas are rich in marine life, including turtles, fish, mammals, and invertebrates. Their discovery was first announced in 2022 after 20 such formations were found along the southern Red Sea coast.

With the addition of these two protected areas, the Kingdom’s nature reserves now cover 16.1 percent of its territory, up from 6.5 percent, and moving closer to the national goal of 30 percent by 2030.