On the auspicious occasion of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan’s 70th Anniversary of Independence, I wish to express my profound felicitations to the Pakistani community residing in Bangladesh.
The day is an occasion to pay tribute to the enormous sacrifices of our forefathers, the proponents and workers of the Pakistan Movement and is also a moment to recognise, honour and appreciate all those who have been safeguarding our ideological and geographical borders. Pakistan’s reality only became possible through relentless struggle, perseverance and the extraordinary sacrifice of thousands of Muslims of the sub-continent under the unparalleled and charismatic leadership of the Quaid-e-Azam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
Since independence, Pakistan has been steadily moving towards the path of progress and development. Our men and women, from all faiths and sections of society, have recorded renowned services in all fields of life and placed Pakistan on an elevated pedestal among the comity of nations. Our dynamic and motivated young generation is emerging on the global arena imprinting rich impressions in the fields of science, information technology, art and culture, cinema, music and sports; whereas the diversity of our people from Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab has blended the rich cultural and ethnic heterogeneity into a cohesive national brilliance.
Cognizant of our enormous national potential, the present government fast-tracked the country’s journey to prosperity through an elaborate social and economic development agenda. It is heartening to note that within a short span of time, Pakistan’s socio-economic indicators are showing positive improvement. International financial institutions acknowledge that Pakistan’s economy is on an upward trajectory. With a growth rate of 5.3% in 2017, Morgan Stanley Capital International has classified Pakistan as an Emerging Market. The World Bank in its annual ‘Doing Business 2017′ report concluded that Pakistan is among the ’10 most improved’ economies out of the 190 that they reviewed.
The launch of the flagship China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in April 2015 has played a pivotal role in shaping a new narrative about Pakistan. The CPEC, a project of energy generation, roads, railways, infrastructure and designated economic zones, will bring more than US$ 60 billion of Chinese investment into the country, providing impetus to Pakistan’s long-term growth. By linking China with Gwadar through road and rail network measuring 3000 kms across Pakistan’s entire North-South length, the CPEC will act as a catalyst for economic connectivity and integration in Central and South Asia, the Middle East and beyond. Hence, the CPEC will be a game-changer not only for Pakistan, but also for the entire region. I also wish to invite Bangladeshi investors to involve themselves in the unfolding silent revolution in Pakistan. It is an ideal opportunity for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to explore new vistas of cooperation between our two countries.
While celebrating the Independence Day, let us also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening further the ties of friendship between Pakistan and Bangladesh and dedicate ourselves to bringing our two great nations closer. I undertake, through this message, to work tirelessly, alongwith the full team of officers assigned to the Mission, towards achieving these objectives.
However, the journey would be incomplete without participation from the Pakistani community. I hope their presence will continue to promote friendship, peace and harmony between the two countries as well as understanding and awareness in Bangladesh about Pakistan, its people, and culture.
To conclude, I extend, our deepest gratitude to the great visionary leader, Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, for providing our nationals with the opportunity to prosper in this beautiful land of Bangladesh.
May Allah protect Pakistan and Bangladesh and bless our people.
(H.E. Rafiuzzaman Siddiqui, High Commissioner of Pakistan, on the occasion of 70th Independence Day of Pakistan)
