Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN Maleeha Lodhi said that Pakistan was home to one of the world’s oldest civilisations like Mohenjo Daro and Taxila, among others.
She was addressing a function in connection with 70th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence at a jam-packed UN General Assembly Hall. The prestigious gold-and-blue Hall resounded with slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad” and “Jeeway, Jeeway Pakistan” as Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi welcomed to the concert a galaxy of ambassadors and representatives of a number of countries as well as members of Pakistani community.
‘At the crossroads of cultures and civilizations, the infusion of ideas, thought and intellect, have enriched the tapestry of our identity and national soul,” she said.
Drawing on the growing strength of a robust democracy, and an improved security environment, and driven by a stable and crisis-free macro-economic environment and strong domestic demand, Pakistan had achieved a remarkable economic turnaround and was set on an upward trajectory of growth, she said.
The Pakistani envoy said the emergence of a vibrant middle class was laying the foundations of Pakistan’s long-term economic progress and sustainable democracy.
“Music, it is rightly said, transcends borders and helps to build bridges across culture. It is therefore an invaluable medium to promote understanding between civilizations,” she said.
UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed, who was the chief guest, praised Pakistan’s positive role and its contribution to United Nations efforts to forge peace and stability in the world.
“We recognise Pakistan’s outstanding contributions to the work of the United Nations, including being elected seven times to the Security Council,” she said.
“We commend Pakistan’s remarkable dedication to the United Nations peacekeeping – with more than 7,000 Pakistanis serving as blue helmets today – and more than 170,000 who have served over the decades.
“We applaud Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable development – and its pledge to make Sustainable Development Goals its own national goals.”
Pointing out that she was raised in the same place that later gave birth to Boko Haram militant group, Amina Mohammed said, “I know what it’s like to see your home maligned and misunderstood because it was hijacked by those who sought to give us a face that was not ours but that of extremists, lost souls.’
“Tonight, we embrace the narrative of peace, culture, diversity, honour. Tonight, as we celebrate Pakistan, we also celebrate what makes us unique and what makes us United.”
