The High Commissioner made these remarks addressing the ceremony held at High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka yesterday (23rd March) to mark the 76th National Day of Pakistan. The event was celebrated by the High Commission and the Pakistani community based in Sri Lanka.
In his message on the occasion, High Commissioner Shakeel Hussain expressed satisfaction on the traditionally close and mutually beneficial relationship between the two friendly nations in all fields like diplomatic, political, commercial, defence, people to people contacts and cultural exchanges.
“The process of bilateral cooperation has been greatly assisted by increased interaction both at the level of people and the highest government functionaries of the two countries”, he added.
Construction of schools, hospitals, houses for IDPs, clean drinking water supply projects, livelihood generation, setting up computer training centres, upgrading health in rural areas and providing scholarships to needy children are some of the social Sector development projects engaged by the government of Pakistan in Sri Lanka.
According to the High Commissioner both sides are in process of refining the Free Trade Agreement, expanding the portfolio of trade able items and encouraging bilateral investment. “Recently concluded Pakistan Single country Exhibition in Colombo has contributed in promoting Pakistan – Sri Lanka economic relations by diversifying the existing trade patterns”, he added.
The National Day of Pakistan is annually celebrated on the 23rd March to commemorate the most outstanding achievement of the Muslims of South Asia who passed the historic “Pakistan Resolution” on this day at Lahore in 1940 which culminated in creation of New Country-Pakistan after 7 years.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Sarfraz Ahmed Khan Sipra, members of Sri Lanka Pakistan Business Council, Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship trade and investment Association, Government functionaries, Ambassadors, prominent Sri Lankan personalities, Pakistani community in Sri Lanka and people from various walks of life including a large section of media.
