World leaders extend Independence Day greetings to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: World leaders and friendly nations extended Independence Day greetings to Pakistan on Friday as the country marked 79 years of independence with special prayers and ceremonies honouring the sacrifices of its founding fathers.The day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in the provincial capitals, while a change of guard ceremony was also held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi.Iranian PresidentIranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described Pakistan’s Independence Day as a valuable opportunity to pay tribute to the achievements of the Pakistani nation.Pezeshkian said the shared interests and destinies of Iran and Pakistan were becoming more closely linked, stressing that the need for greater coordination and cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad had also increased.He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to further strengthening comprehensive ties with Pakistan and said Tehran was ready to take effective steps to strengthen bilateral relations based on mutual trust, respect and the existing potential of the two countries.The Iranian president prayed for Pakistan’s development, prosperity and success, as well as the further consolidation of longstanding brotherly relations between the two nations.US Secretary of StateUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Pakistan on Independence Day.Rubio said the United States and Pakistan were transforming their shared capabilities into progress through cooperation in regional mediation, critical minerals, energy, counterterrorism, cultural heritage, trade and investment.He reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the two countries and the longstanding friendship between their peoples.Russian PresidentRussian President Vladimir Putin extended Independence Day greetings to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Pakistani people, wishing them peace, prosperity and well-being.Putin said Russia-Pakistan relations were developing successfully, with the two countries continuing fruitful cooperation in political, trade, economic, humanitarian and other fields.He added that Moscow and Islamabad were also cooperating on important regional and global issues and expressed confidence that both countries would further strengthen their bilateral partnership in all areas for the mutual benefit of their peoples.Bahrain Crown PrinceBahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa also extended greetings to Pakistan on its Independence Day.He conveyed his felicitations to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the occasion.