NEW DELHI: High Commissioner Abdul Basit on Thursday said Pakistan was keen to settle all the issues with India, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, through dialogue.
He was addressing an impressive flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, India to celebrate 77th Pakistan Day.
Abdul Basit congratulated all Pakistan nationals in India on this auspicious occasion. He stated that the creation of Pakistan within seven years of the passage of the 1940 Lahore Resolution reflected the wisdom and tenacity of our founding fathers.
Under the impeccable and sagacious leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the Muslims of the sub-continent realized their dream. It was now incumbent upon us to make Pakistan a truly welfare state as envisioned by the Quaid-e-Azam.
Referring to Pakistan-India relations, the High Commissioner underlined the importance of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s vision of peaceful neighbourhood.
He said peace was in the mutual interest of both countries and a lasting peace could only be achieved through meaningful dialogue. The High Commissioner underlined that seeking dialogue with India was not Pakistan’s weakness but its strength as “our positions on bilateral issues are rooted in principles and international law.”
Earlier, Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah read out messages from President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The officials felicitated all the Pakistanis living in India and asked them to play their role for the betterment of Pakistan.
Students of the Pakistan High Commission School sang Pakistan national songs and presented a tableau highlighting the struggle for the creation of Pakistan. On the occasion, a cake was also cut whereas students of school at High Commission also performed a play.
At the end of the ceremony, Summiya Basit, wife of the High Commissioner, distributed gifts among the students. NNI