The national flag was raised at the United Nations earlier yesterday in New York to mark a ceremony to celebrate Pakistan Day.
The ceremony began with recitation of the Holy Quran and as Pakistan Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi hoisted the flag, the national anthem was played.
Ambassador Lodhi read out Pakistan Day’s message of President Mamnoon Hussain. Raja Ali Ejaz Consul General New York read out the message of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
Later talking to the media Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and the sacrifices made by Muslims of the sub-continent for the creation of Pakistan.
The ceremony concluded by a dua for the prosperity and progress of Pakistan.
Later in the evening, a concert was held in the prestigious General Assembly Hall featuring Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
The concert titled ‘Sufi Night Music of Peace’ was aimed at spreading the message of international peace and harmony at the world stage.
The concert was largely attended by diplomats, UN officials, representatives of civil society, media and members of the Pakistani diaspora.
