ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has congratulated President Mamnoon Hussain on the anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence Day.
In a message, King Salman wished the Pakistan president eternal good health and happiness and his nation steady progress and prosperity.
The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, has also congratulated the President on the country’s 71st Independence Day, the Saudi Embassy in Pakistan said.
Pakistan got its independence from British rule on Aug. 14, 1947.
Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day at a time when the country is all set to transfer power to the newly elected government.
In last month’s general elections, Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party emerged as the major political party and is in the process of forming the new government.
PTI chairman and Prime Minister-in-waiting Imran Khan, said in a message on Twitter, “I want all Pakistanis to celebrate 14th August, our Independence Day, with full fervor — especially as we are now moving toward Naya Pakistan (New Pakistan) and reclaiming Jinnah’s vision InshaAllah.”
The day will dawn with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute at the provincial headquarters. The national flag will be hoisted at all important public and private buildings.
The main feature of the celebrations will be a national flag-hoisting ceremony at Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad. President Hussain will be the chief guest on the occasion, reported Radio Pakistan.
At 9.59 a.m., sirens will be sounded and the moving traffic will come to a halt as a mark of national solidarity. Similar flag-hoisting ceremonies will also be held at provincial, divisional and district headquarters level throughout the country.
Saudi king, crown prince send felicitation messages to Pakistan president on Independence Day
Saudi king, crown prince send felicitation messages to Pakistan president on Independence Day
- King Salman wished the Pakistan president good health and happiness and his nation steady progress and prosperity
- Pakistan marks its 71st Independence Day on Aug. 14
Pakistan PM calls for faster CPEC implementation, pledges security for Chinese workers
- Shehbaz Sharif pushes expanded cooperation in agriculture, IT and mining under CPEC phase two
- Chinese envoy reaffirms Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and economic development
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for speeding up projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and pledged stronger security guarantees for Chinese workers and investments, during a meeting with China’s ambassador in Islamabad.
Sharif made the remarks as the two countries strive to launch the second phase of CPEC, a multibillion-dollar infrastructure and energy initiative launched in 2015 as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
CPEC’s first phase focused largely on power generation and transport infrastructure aimed at easing Pakistan’s chronic energy shortages and improving connectivity. The second phase seeks to expand cooperation into industrial development, with an emphasis on special economic zones and export-oriented growth.
“While highlighting the importance of accelerating ongoing CPEC projects, the Prime Minister stressed on the need to enhance cooperation in agriculture and IT and mining & minerals,” said a statement circulated by the PM Office after the meeting.
“He also underscored Pakistan’s resolve to provide a secure and conducive environment for Chinese personnel, investments, and institutions in Pakistan,” it added.
Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan have faced security threats in the past, including attacks by militant groups targeting infrastructure sites and convoys. Islamabad has repeatedly vowed to tighten security and has deployed special protection units for Chinese workers.
China is Pakistan’s closest ally in the region and a key economic partner, with CPEC widely regarded by Islamabad as central to long-term economic growth.
During the meeting, the prime minister conveyed greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, particularly on the occasion of the Chinese New Year.
China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, reiterated Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and socioeconomic development, according to the statement. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues and agreed to maintain close coordination.
