The Indian government did not send any official representatives to Pakistan's National Day reception, which was held on Thursday at the high commission in New Delhi, according to multiple reports. Saad Ahmad Warraich, Pakistan's chargé d'affaires, reportedly stood alone, when both nations' national anthems were performed at the ceremony. For the first time since 2019, Indian authorities have missed the event in the aftermath of the terror incident in Pulwama and the retaliatory attacks in Balakot. The chargé d'affaires said during his address at the event that "addressing shared concerns", "enhancing mutual understanding", and "resolving long-standing disputes, including the Jammu and Kashmir issue", were essential to achieving peace and stability. He said Pakistan had achieved significant progress in “strengthening pluralism, deepening democracy, promoting free media, and nurturing a vibrant civil society.” “The dynamic and enterprising youth of Pakistan are a repository of the nation’s enduring faith in a bright and prosperous future,” Warraich was reported as saying by the Pakistan High Commission in India's official X account.

Speaking to the diplomatic community, Warraich said: “The founding fathers of Pakistan in India envisioned an amicable relationship between the two countries. Unfortunately, the history of our bilateral relationship has remained challenged for the most part.” The Indian Express quoted him as saying: “We can emerge from the shadows of the past and script a future of hope for our two peoples, based on peaceful coexistence, sovereign equality and mutual respect. The goal of peace and stability can be achieved by enhancing mutual understanding, addressing shared concerns, and resolving long-standing disputes, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute." Pakistan celebrated its National Day on Saturday at its high commission. The day marks the momentous adoption of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940, which gave Muslims in South Asia a framework for achieving their objective of having their homeland.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan