National flag hoisted at Pakistan House to mark 'Pakistan day' in N.Y.

NEW YORK -- The national flag on Thursday was unfurled at the Pakistan House, which houses the country's Mission to the United Nations and the Consulate General in New York, at a simple ceremony to celebrate the 83rd Pakistan day.

The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, and, as Pakistan's Ambassador Munir Akram hoisted the green crescent and star, the national anthem was played.

Consul General Ayesha Ali then read out the message of President Arif Alvi, and Ambassador Aamir Khan, the deputy permanent representative to the UN, delivered the message of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Jibran Durrani of the Pakistan Mission moderated the ceremony, which was attended by members of the mission and the consulate general.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Akram highlighted the importance of the Lahore Resolution which led to the establishment of Pakistan. He paid tributes to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and the sacrifices made by the Muslims of the sub-continent for the freedom movement.

'On Pakistan Day, we cannot forget the people of Jammu and Kashmir,' he said. 'As we witness the...