BEIJING, Aug. 14 -- The 68th Independence Day of Pakistan was commemorated with traditional fervor, enthusiasm and resolve to making the country evermore stronger at a ceremony that took place at the Pakistan Embassy in China on Thursday.

The flag hoisting ceremony commenced solemnly as Ambassador Masood Khalid unfurled the national flag to the resounding tune of the national anthem while the participants rendered the national anthem.

Ambassador Masood Khalid paid glowing tributes to the founder of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah while reading out messages of President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan on the auspicious occasion.

“It is indeed a matter of great satisfaction to note that despite many political upheavals of the past, natural calamities and other challenges, we have achieved significant milestones in our journey towards a democratic, prosperous and progressive nation,” read out the Ambassador from the message of the president.

“The Independence Day is the most auspicious occasion in our national calendar as it not only reminds Pakistani people of the great sacrifices of their forefathers that were made for securing their social-economic, religious and cultural freedom.”

The message of the Prime Minister says, “This day is a powerful reminder of the heroic struggle undertaken by the Muslims of the Sub-continent for a separate homeland where they could live their lives with freedom and dignity, in harmony with their religious and cultural values. Our forefathers underwent great trial and tribulation, with millions suffering the travails of dispossession and exile, and hundreds of thousands laying the ultimate sacrifice at the altar of freedom — so that our children may have a country to call their own, where they could build a prosperous and secure future for themselves.”

Ambassador Khalid called upon the Pakistanis residing in China to work diligently for a progressive, prosperous and peaceful Pakistan. He also stressed unity among community members to portray a better image of the country abroad.

The students of the Pakistan Embassy College sang national songs and presented tableau in traditional national and regional attire. At the conclusion of ceremony, gift packs and sweets were distributed among the children.

Similar ceremonies were simultaneously held at the Consulates General in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Hong Kong.