Pakistan’s ambassador to US pays tribute to nation’s resilience

Special Correspondent

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK: A flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the embassy of Pakistan in Washington in connection with Youm-e-Tashakur (thanksgiving day).

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh while speaking on the occasion paid tribute to the nation for its resilience, unity and gratitude.

“We bow our heads in gratitude before the Almighty,” Ambassador Sheikh said. “At the same time, we express deep appreciation for our armed forces who are the guardians of our freedom.”

He paid special tribute to the innocent civilians, women and children who laid down their lives for the protection and sovereignty of Pakistan. “We owe our existence to their supreme sacrifices,” he added.

Ambassador Sheikh noted that acts of aggression from India had reinvigorated the spirit of Pakistani nationalism. “Indian hostility has reignited our national identity. We have faced such aggression with complete faith, conviction, and unwavering resolve.”

He emphasized that the people of Pakistan, as a united nation, had reaffirmed their commitment to independence.

“The world has witnessed how Pakistanis, as a nation, have renewed their pledge to freedom. We have proven our readiness to defend our ideological and geographical frontiers even if it requires shedding the last drop of our blood.”

 Pakistan Mission to UN

The Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations and the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York jointly organized a ceremony to mark the day, paying tribute to the unmatched sacrifices and courage of Pakistan’s armed forces in defense of the homeland.

Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad stated that the entire nation takes immense pride in the bravery and valor of its armed forces. He said Pakistan had thwarted India’s aggressive designs, effectively dismantling its ambitions for regional hegemony.

He noted,”From the political leadership to the common citizens, the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces against Indian aggression. Our freedom has been secured through the blood of our martyrs.”

Ambassador Asim highlighted that Pakistan’s position is rooted in the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law, including non-use of force, peaceful resolution of disputes, the right to self-determination, and the rejection of acquisition of territory by force.

In his address, Consul General Aamer Ahmed Atozai reiterated that Pakistan responded to India’s unprovoked and baseless attacks with wisdom, restraint, and strategic clarity. He emphasized that while India escalated tensions without justification, Pakistan’s response was precise, measured, and consistent with international norms.

The consul general reaffirmed that sustainable peace in South Asia is contingent upon justice in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and resolution of disputes in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

“Today, we express our heartfelt gratitude to our armed forces, national leadership, and especially the people of Pakistan whose unity and resolve are the true guardians of our independence and sovereignty.”

The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador Asim to the tune of the national anthem. The event was attended by Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador Usman Jadoon, along with officials and staff members of both the Mission and the Consulate.