Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia celebrated their 82nd National Day with great fervor on Wednesday. Pakistan Day commemorates the passing of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940, when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of the British Indian Empire. Diplomats and nationals marked the occasion by reaffirming their commitment to the country’s development and progress. The ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, Ameer Khurram Rathore, welcomed a large group from the community to a flag-hoisting ceremony at the embassy in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. They took part with great enthusiasm in the ceremony, which started with the hoisting of the Pakistani flag by the ambassador. Messages from the Pakistani President Dr. Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan were read out by embassy officials. In his address to the community, the ambassador highlighted the significance of the historic day. He reminded the community members of the sacrifices of their forefathers and stressed the importance of working with the same spirit and zeal for Pakistan. Rathore commended the role played by the Pakistani community in the Kingdom in the development of Pakistan and serving as a bridge between the two countries. He thanked them for their efforts and assured them of the embassy’s complete support in addressing any of their issues and concerns. Speaking to Arab News, Rathore hailed the UN resolution to declare March 15 as a day to combat Islamophobia globally. He said the UN’s move would help to break down bigoted stereotypes surrounding Muslims and terrorism. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are leading members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and together persuaded the UN to condemn Islamophobia. King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a cable of congratulation to the Pakistani leadership on the anniversary of their country’s National Day and wished the government and people of Pakistan steady progress and prosperity.