National Flags Raised in Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal; Celebrations Also Mark the 150th Birth Anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah — Pakistani Community Demonstrates Unity and Deep Love for the Homeland
Report: Mehboob Ali Shaikh
Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Canada’s capital Ottawa, as well as in Toronto and Montreal, where the Pakistani community came together under the national flag to express their love for their homeland, national unity, and strong commitment to the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The High Commission of Pakistan and the Consulates General of Pakistan in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver also launched year-long celebrations marking Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day as well as the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
In the capital Ottawa, a dignified flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Chancery building of Pakistan’s diplomatic mission. During the ceremony, special messages from the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister were read out to the participants.
Special programmes were also held to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Participants were shown a documentary highlighting the Quaid’s life, leadership and historic struggle for the creation of Pakistan.
A digital photographic exhibition was also organized on the occasion, showcasing important moments from Quaid-e-Azam’s life and key milestones in Pakistan’s history.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner Muhammad Saleem congratulated the Pakistani nation on Independence Day and paid tribute to the enduring legacy of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
He reaffirmed the commitment to advancing Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Pakistan and emphasized the importance of collective efforts for national development, unity and prosperity.
Independence Day celebrations were also held in Toronto under the leadership of Pakistan’s Consul General Khaleel Bajwa, with a large number of members of the Pakistani community in attendance.
Canadian Members of Parliament Shafqat Ali, Iqra Khalid and Salma Zahid, MPPs Zeeshan Hamid and Shereef Sabawy, former Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Zainab Azim, Paul Chien, Altamash Janjua and other prominent personalities congratulated the Pakistani nation on Independence Day.
Participants said that Pakistanis living in Canada are not only playing an important role in promoting trade, culture and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Canada, but are also making significant contributions to Canadian society and the country’s development and progress.
Consul General Khaleel Bajwa said that Pakistan would continue its efforts to promote peace, dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect among states.
He appreciated the role of Pakistani immigrants living in Canada and said that the Pakistani community is playing a key role in strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries.
A large number of Pakistani men, women and children attended the Independence Day celebrations. An Independence Day cake was also cut on the occasion, while children expressed their national spirit by holding Pakistani flags.
The atmosphere was completely transformed into a celebration of Pakistan, with participants dressed in green and white, national flags displayed prominently and a strong spirit of patriotism throughout the event.
Members of the Pakistani community delivered an important message on the occasion, saying that regardless of which political party Pakistanis support, all Pakistanis unite under one flag on Independence Day — and that is our true strength and success.
Participants said that for Pakistanis living abroad, Pakistan’s independence is not merely a national day but also a symbol of their identity, history, culture and emotional connection with their homeland.
During the celebrations, participants paid rich tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces and people for the protection of Pakistan and the advancement of national aspirations.
They expressed their resolve to make the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah an opportunity to inspire younger generations with his principles, vision, character and vision for a bright future for Pakistan.
From Ottawa to Toronto and Montreal, the celebrations marking Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day once again demonstrated that despite living thousands of miles away, the Pakistani community remains deeply connected to its homeland, history and national identity.
United under the Pakistani flag, the community not only celebrated independence with chants of “Pakistan Zindabad” but also expressed its commitment to further strengthening friendship, trade, cultural ties and people-to-people relations between Pakistan and Canada.
