Embassy of Pakistan Baghdad Press Release. 79th Independence Day of Pakistan Celebrated at Embassy of Pakistan, Baghdad The 79th Independence Day of Pakistan was commemorated with a simple and dignified ceremony at the Embassy of Pakistan in Baghdad. Embassy officers and officials, along with members of the Pakistani community residing in Baghdad, attended the event with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit. The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador of Pakistan to Iraq, Muhammad Zeeshan Ahmed, accompanied by the national anthem of Pakistan. Special messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan on the occasion of Independence Day were also read out to the audience. In his address, Ambassador Muhammad Zeeshan Ahmed paid rich tribute to the historic struggle and immense sacrifices of the Muslims of the Subcontinent under the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, which led to the creation of an independent homeland on 14 August 1947. He emphasized that independence was achieved through extraordinary determination, unity and sacrifice, and that safeguarding and strengthening Pakistan remained a collective responsibility of every Pakistani. The Ambassador stressed that the best way to honour the sacrifices of the founding generation was to contribute sincerely to the development, stability and prosperity of Pakistan. He underlined the importance of national unity, political and economic stability, strong institutions, quality education, scientific and technological advancement, investment, exports and greater economic self-reliance. He observed that Pakistan possessed enormous human and natural resources and that, with unity of purpose, discipline, hard work and commitment to the national interest, the country had the potential to emerge as a stronger, more prosperous and increasingly influential state. He further emphasized that Pakistanis living abroad also had an important role in the country’s progress. Through their professionalism, hard work, remittances, investment and positive representation of Pakistan, overseas Pakistanis could make a valuable contribution to national development while strengthening Pakistan’s relations with countries around the world. Referring to recent regional developments, Ambassador Zeeshan Ahmed noted that Marka-e-Haq, together with Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic engagement and its role in promoting dialogue and de-escalation amid tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, had further enhanced Pakistan’s international standing. He stated that Pakistan would continue to pursue a responsible and balanced foreign policy based on peace, dialogue, respect for sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes. On the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the Ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled and unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He stated that the Kashmir dispute remained an internationally recognized issue that must be resolved peacefully in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir must be allowed to exercise their legitimate right to self-determination. The Ambassador further stated that Pakistan would continue to raise the Kashmir issue at all appropriate international forums and would continue to extend its diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiri people until the realization of their legitimate rights. He stressed that a just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute was essential for lasting peace, stability and prosperity in South Asia.