In an impressive ceremony held on 23 March 2008, the Charge d'Affairs a.i., Mr. Muhammad Aslam Khan, hoisted Pakistani flag and read out Pakistan Day messages from President and Prime Minister. For the first time Pakistani-American community was also invited for the ceremony.
The Ambassador of Pakistan, Mr. Mahmud Ali Durrani, and Mrs. Fatemah Durrani hosted the National Day Reception on 24 March 2008 in Jamshed Marker Hall of the Embassy. The reception was attended by over 300 guests, including diplomats, US government officials, Congressional aides, representatives of the think thanks and prominent members of the Pakistani-American community. Senior Administration officials attending the reception included the Defence Secretary, Mr. Robert Gates; Deputy Secretary of Defence, Mr. Gordon England; Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen; Special Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser, Mr. James Jeffrey; Special Assistant and Senior Director, Mr. Mark Webber; and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Mr. Donald Camp.
The celebrations began on 21 March 2008 with an exhibition of artwork by Jimmy Engineer who gave a talk to a large gathering at the Embassy auditorium. Charge d'Affaires Muhammad Aslam Khan welcomed the guests and acknowledged Jimmy Engineer's contributions. He spoke about Mr. Engineer's love for Pakistan, and his ability to rise above religious and ethnic divides. Mr. Engineer thanked the Embassy for organizing the event and displaying his artwork.
The celebrations began on 21 March 2008 with an exhibition of artwork by Jimmy Engineer who gave a talk to a large gathering at the Embassy auditorium. Charge d'Affaires Muhammad Aslam Khan welcomed the guests and acknowledged Jimmy Engineer's contributions. He spoke about Mr. Engineer's love for Pakistan, and his ability to rise above religious and ethnic divides. Mr. Engineer thanked the Embassy for organizing the event and displaying his artwork.