Pakistan HC celebrates National Day

The Pakistan High Commission in the Maldives celebrated the National Day of Pakistan (Pakistan Day) on March 23, 2025.

The day was commemorated with a prestigious flag hoisting ceremony, held on Sunday morning. The Pakistani High Commissioner at the Maldives, Vice Admiral (R) Faisal Rasul Lodhi hoisted the country's national flag in the presence of Pakistani community residing in the Maldives.

During the ceremony, messages from Pakistan's President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister were shared.

High Commissioner Lodhi extended heartfelt felicitations to the Pakistanis in the Maldives, and highlighted the importance of Pakistan Resolution.

A statement issued by the High Commission added that Lodhi paid "rich tribute to the sacrifices made by the Nation's forefathers in the struggle for Pakistan's independence." Lodhi also honored the legacy of the country's founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinah and Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

He also emphasized that the day served to "reinvigorate the spirit of unity, faith and discipline" for Pakistan. He also expressed solidarity with the "brothers and sisters, in the Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir" and Palestine for their continued stive for the right to self-determination.

The flag hoisting ceremony was concluded by offering prayers for "peace, progress and prosperity" of Pakistan.

On Sunday evening, Lodhi hosted an 'Iftar cum Dinner Reception' to celebrate the National Day. The reception was attended by the Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel as the chief guest.

A large number of dignitaries and distinguished guests including cabinet ministers, state ministers, senior officers from the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), heads of government institutions, senior functionaries, CEOs from corporate community, media persona, and a "sizable Pakistani community" attended the event.

The event was also attended by High Commissioners of Australia and UK, Ambassadors of Japan and United Arab Emirates (UAE), Charge' d' Affairs and Representatives of diplomatic missions from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, China, Russia and USA in the Maldives.

At the reception, Pakistani High Commissioner acknowledged the strategic vision shared by the Maldives President, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Shareef. He also highlighted the available potential in Pakistan for cooperation and collaboration with international partners for shared objectives and socio-economic progress, development, peace and prosperity.

Lodhi also threw light on Pakistan's commitment to multilateral cooperation and diplomacy for peace at all levels.

"Pakistan firmly believes on the UN charter and the sanctity of international law. Pakistan, therefore, strongly demand implementation of UN resolutions both in Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK)," he added.

While emphasizing on the diplomatic relation between the Maldives and Pakistan, Lodhi said the relations between the two countries are characterized by common faith, culture, shared legacies, commonality of interest, mutual respect and trust.

Besides Lodhi, the event's chief guest, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel extended warm felicitations and "sincere good wishes" to Pakistan's President, leaders and the people. He too, noted the close relations between the two countries.

"The government and people of Maldives appreciate the support and assistance from Pakistan in the socio-economic development of the Maldives," Dr. Khaleel said. He concluded the remarks by thanking the contributions Pakistan made in the development of health, education and defense sectors of the Maldives.