A statue of Pakistan’s founder Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah has been installed at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington DC.
The statue was unveiled during an Independence Day ceremony at the embassy on Friday.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh formally unveiled the statue.
Pakistani-American community members, diplomats and media representatives attended the ceremony.
Quaid-i-Azam Statue to Remain at Embassy
The Quaid-i-Azam Foundation in Houston gifted the statue to the embassy.
It will remain permanently installed at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington DC.
The installation also comes during the year marking Jinnah’s 150th birth anniversary.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Sheikh paid tribute to Pakistan’s founder.
He highlighted Jinnah’s political struggle and prolonged efforts that eventually led to the creation of Pakistan.
The statue serves as a tribute to the political legacy of Quaid-i-Azam and his role in Pakistan’s history.
Independence Day Ceremony Held in Washington
The ceremony began with the hoisting of Pakistan’s national flag.
The national anthem was played, followed by the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran.
Independence Day messages from Pakistan’s president, prime minister and deputy prime minister were also read during the event.
The gathering brought together diplomats and members of the Pakistani-American community to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day.
Ambassador Highlights Pakistan-US Relations
Ambassador Sheikh also spoke about relations between Pakistan and the United States.
He said Pakistan remained important to the United States at regional and global levels.
The ambassador highlighted cooperation between both countries across several areas.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also discussed bilateral cooperation in his Independence Day message for Pakistan.
The areas mentioned included energy, critical minerals, counterterrorism and regional mediation.
Cooperation also covers cultural heritage, trade and investment.
Pakistan has also sought to support dialogue amid tensions involving the United States and Iran.
Islamabad maintains relations with both Washington and Tehran and has supported efforts to reduce regional tensions.
Pakistani-American Community Leader Honoured
A special honour was also presented during the ceremony.
Pakistani-American community leader and cultural ambassador Waqar Ali Khan received the President’s Medal for Pride of Performance.
The award recognised his decades of service and contribution to the community.
The unveiling of the Quaid-i-Azam statue added a symbolic element to the Independence Day celebrations.
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Its permanent installation will provide a lasting tribute to Muhammad Ali Jinnah at Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in Washington DC.
