Pakistan’s Independence Day draws messages of friendship and goodwill

WEBDESK: The United States, France and Iran have extended greetings to Pakistan on its 79 years of independence, reaffirming their respective ties and commitment to strengthening cooperation with Islamabad.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement issued on behalf of the United States, conveyed “heartfelt congratulations” to the people of Pakistan on the occasion.

Rubio said Washington and Islamabad were turning their shared potential into development through cooperation in areas including regional mediation, critical minerals, energy, counterterrorism, cultural heritage, trade and investment.

“On this special occasion, we reaffirm the partnership between our nations and the longstanding bonds of friendship between our two peoples,” Rubio said.

France also extended Independence Day greetings to Pakistan, with the French Embassy in Islamabad saying Paris looked forward to further strengthening its partnership and cooperation with Islamabad.

“France wishes the people of Pakistan a happy Independence Day,” the embassy said in a message on social media, adding that the two countries had many areas connecting them.

Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam also conveyed greetings on behalf of his government and people.

“As the great nation of Pakistan celebrates the 79th auspicious anniversary of independence, on behalf of myself, government and nation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I extend my warmest greetings to the government and nation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s embassy in Moscow marked the occasion with an Independence Day gathering featuring music and cultural celebrations.

The embassy said the event brought “a little piece of homeland to Moscow” and described the evening as one of warmth, friendship and celebration in the Russian capital.

Nobel laureate and activist Malala Yousafzai, who recently visited Pakistan, also extended Independence Day greetings, urging the country to invest in the education of young boys and girls who aspire to contribute to its future.