Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen,

I extend my heartiest congratulations and warmest greetings to the Pakistani community in the United States on the auspicious occasion of the 60 th Independence Day of Pakistan. 14th of August 1947 marked the realization of the dream of our founding fathers of an independent state for the Muslims of South Asia where they could live in peace and harmony in an enlightened environment.

Over the past six decades, Pakistan has passed through several challenges. What our resilient and dynamic nation has been able to achieve, despite many problems, cannot be over estimated. Today we are poised to emerge as a vibrant and stable country with a fast growing economy. I would be failing if I did not mention some of the continuing and emerging challenges that we as a nation are facing. Extremism and intolerance is one serious challenge. I am, nevertheless, confident that we, through our inherent strengths, will overcome all the present and the emerging challenges.

A good demonstration of the inherent strengths and resilience of our nation was the way it dealt with the earthquake tragedy that struck Azad Kashmir and parts of the North West Frontier Province in October last year. The support and assistance extended by the community of Pakistani Americans for the relief and rehabilitation of the earthquake victims has simply been overwhelming. So has been the support and cooperation from the Government and people of the United States as a whole. As we move from relief and rehabilitation to the reconstruction phase the people affected by the earthquake continue to count on your steadfast support and assistance.

This is the first time that I am joining you on Independence Day celebrations in my capacity as Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States of America . I avail myself of this opportunity to assure you that the welfare of this vibrant community is upper most in my priorities. I would also be counting heavily on your support and cooperation in our joint endeavour for further deepening and expanding the relations between your country of origin, Pakistan , and your country of choice, the United States of America .

The community of Pakistani Americans is a great source of strength for us in the Embassy. I seek your cooperation in strengthening the relations between Pakistan and the United States of America , a responsibility I share with you in my capacity as Ambassador of Pakistan.

Pakistan Paindabad!

Mahmud Ali Durrani

Ambassador