Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad vows continued support for Kashmiris’

Celina Ali

Islamabad: A flag hoisting ceremony was held at Pakistani Mission to the UN Sunday to mark Pakistan Day, with Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad calling for embracing the lessons and values of the nation’s founding fathers.

The day is observed with national fervor by members of Pakistani diaspora, residing in different parts of the United Stated, to pay homage to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and to renew commitment to their homeland.

The ceremony, held at the chancery building, was attended by officers, staff, and their families.

Messages from President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were read out on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Asim, permanent representative-designate of Pakistan to the UN, said that he spirit of sacrifice, resilience, and unity that defined Pakistan’s freedom struggle continues to inspire hope as the nation navigates various challenges.

“The millions of Muslims who gathered at the historic Minar-e-Pakistan on this day 85 years ago set an enduring example of perseverance, courage, and selflessness in achieving the goal of Pakistan’s establishment under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,” he said.

‘If we embrace the lessons and values of our founding fathers in both our individual and collective lives, there is no reason we cannot place Pakistan firmly on the path to sustained progress and prosperity.”

In this context, Ambassador Asim shed light on the complex geopolitical environment of the World Wars era that preceded Pakistan’s establishment, noting that the challenges at the time were even more daunting than those faced today.

He highlighted how Pakistan’s founding fathers adopted a multidimensional approach during the freedom movement, mobilizing people from all walks of life, including women, students, and the youth.

The Quaid-i-Azam, he said, led a constitutional, political, and democratic struggle for Pakistan, and with the unwavering support of the people, overcame all obstacles in his path, he told the ceremony.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s journey over the past 78 years, Ambassador Asim acknowledged the many ups and downs the nation has faced but emphasized that Pakistan has also achieved significant milestones in various fields, which should be a source of pride for the nation.

He paid special tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their sacrifices, which they continue to make daily in the line of duty.

“We will defeat this resurgence of terrorism with the power of national unity.”

Referring to India, violation of Pakistani airspace in February 2019 and Pakistan Air Force’s resolute response, the Pakistani envoy said that the incident firmly established strategic deterrence in defending the motherland against any act of external aggression.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire for peaceful and friendly relations with its neighbours. However, he underscored that the grave human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) cannot be ignored, and it was Pakistan’s moral, political, and diplomatic responsibility to support the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, vowed to continue advocating for their inalienable rights.

“Our support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination also remains absolute,” he added, recalling that the Lahore Resolution of 1940 had also expressed strong solidarity with Palestinians.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad reiterated the importance of the United Nations in Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities, affirming that the country will continue to safeguard and promote its national interests at the UN and other multilateral forums.

Concluding his remarks, he urged the officers and staff of the Pakistan Mission to build on the successes and achievements of their predecessors by working diligently, both individually and as a team.

As the Ambassador-designate raised the national flag, the national anthem was played.