14/08/2026
The High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Pakistani community in Sri Lanka commemorated the 79th Independence Day of Pakistan today with profound national fervor, solemnity, and a renewed commitment to building a progressive, democratic, and prosperous Islamic welfare state. The ceremony commenced at the High Commission premises with the hoisting of the National Flag by High Commissioner Major General (Retd) Dr. Nayyar Naseer, HI (M), accompanied by the playing of the National Anthem, followed by the reading of special messages from the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.
In his keynote address, High Commissioner Dr. Nayyar Naseer paid rich tribute to Father of the Nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Thinker of Pakistan Allama Muhammad Iqbal, reflecting on eight decades of national resilience, faith, and progress across the economy, sports, defense, and information technology. Reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to defend its national sovereignty and vital water resources, he emphasized that Pakistan remains a peaceful nation committed to peaceful coexistence and resolving regional issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, through dialogue and diplomacy.
The High Commissioner expressed deep gratitude to the government and people of Sri Lanka for their enduring warmth, highlighting recent institutional progress under the Sri Lanka–Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He noted growing bilateral momentum across industrial SME linkages between Sri Lankan businesses and hubs in Punjab and Karachi, technology exchange in gems and jewelry, trade barrier removal for agricultural exports like tea, pineapple, and avocado, and expanding Pakistani enterprise investment in Sri Lanka's pharmaceutical sector. He also emphasized ongoing cultural, educational, and Gandhara Buddhist tourism initiatives, alongside the upcoming Sri Lanka–Pakistan Business Forum with the Export Development Board (EDB). Reaffirming that the Pakistan–Sri Lanka relationship is time-tested, long-lasting, and unconditional, the event concluded with a well-attended gathering of Sri Lankan dignitaries, diplomats, business leaders, media, and the Pakistani diaspora.
Government of Pakistan.
