On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Bahrain Afzaal Mahmood conveys his heartfelt greetings to all Pakistanis in the kingdom.
“On this day in 1947, Pakistan emerged on the world map as a sovereign state after the untiring efforts of our nation under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
“Pakistan is blessed with tall mountains, lush green valleys, fresh water natural springs and rivers, plateaus, fertile plain farm lands, deserts and warm waters of the Arabian Sea.
“The country has natural resources like gold, copper, semi-precious stones and hydrocarbons.
“Five seasons of Pakistan make it suitable for growing every type of fruit, vegetable and food grain.
“Pakistan is blessed with a talented human resource which has proven its worth world over.
“Pakistan has produced outstanding scholars like Allama Mohammad Iqbal and Nobel laureates such as Dr Abdus Salam and Malala Yousafzai.
“While our nation has been successful in developing infrastructure and putting in place basic industry, it still faces challenges in meeting growing energy needs and diversification of economy, including exports.
“We are exploring new markets for our non-traditional exports such as traditional furniture, processed food, semi-precious stones, dates, olives, olive oil and honey.
“We take pride in the excellent work being done by Pakistanis overseas.
“They not only contribute to the well-being of the people of their countries of choice but also send much-needed remittances back home.
“They are working as a bridge between Pakistan and its friends.
“Pakistanis in Bahrain are recognised as law-abiding, hardworking and friendly people.
“They are our goodwill ambassadors and source of pride.
“Pakistan and Bahrain enjoy a friendship history and co-operation that is thousands of years old.
“The two help each other in different areas of mutual interest, collaborate at the regional level to ensure peace and security and closely consult each other at international forums to align their policies.
“The friendship between our two nations is exemplary and without any irritants.
“The Prime Minister of Pakistan paid state visit to Bahrain on December 16, 2019, as a guest of honour on the National Day of Bahrain. He came on the special invitation of His Majesty King Hamad.
“During the visit, three memorandum of understandings in different fields were inked.
“I, as the Ambassador of Pakistan and friend of Bahrain, try my best to intensify economic and commercial ties for a better common future.
“Gulf Air has resumed its flights to almost all major cities of Pakistan to boost our fraternal relations and extensive interaction between our two nations.
“To bring our people closer, the government of Pakistan has listed Bahrain among the countries having visa-on-arrival and online visa facility.
“The tourism sector of Pakistan is steadily opening after easing of the Covid-19 situation and I welcome Bahraini friends to explore our country at their convenience.
“I wish the people of Bahrain and Pakistan continued peace, progress and prosperity on this special day.
“May the Pakistan-Bahrain friendship live long!
“Pakistan Zindabad.”