Lahore: The Consulate of Liberland-Pakistan commemorated Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day with a formal ceremony held at the Lahore Press Club. The event, chaired by the Ambassador-at-Large to Pakistan & Nepal His Excellency Faisal Butt, representing the Republic of Liberland, brought together a distinguished gathering of diplomats, government officials, media representatives, legal professionals, and civil society leaders.
The ceremony commenced with the stirring rendition of national song by Mirza Rizwan, followed by the traditional cutting of a special Independence Day cake. Notable attendees included Liberland Consulate staff, former Punjab Health Minister Dr. Saeed Elahi, Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari, senior journalists Mubasher Bukhari and Sana Agha Khan, Barrister Salman and Barrister Amrat Ahmed Sheikh, President Ferozwala Press Club Asif Hussain Bhatti, Chairman Press Club Ferozwala Fida Muhammad Fida, President PFUC Sajid Khan, Sadia Khalid, Abdul Majid Malik, and numerous members of the diplomatic and civil society communities. Columnist Mirza Rizwan led the ceremony wih national song.
Ambassador Butt extended his heartfelt congratulations to the people, government, and leadership of Pakistan on this historic occasion. He lauded Pakistan’s significant progress, its stable democracy, and its constructive role in international affairs. Butt expressed Liberland’s strong desire to establish and build diplomatic relations with Pakistan on a robust foundation. He described Pakistan’s Independence Day as “not only a golden chapter in history, but also an eternal story of determination, sacrifice and solidarity.” He specifically commended Pakistan’s commendable efforts towards remarkable economic growth, democratic stability, and fostering peace within the region. Highlighting the resilience of the Pakistani nation, he stated they had faced every challenge “with common sense and unparalleled courage, which is a beacon of light for the entire world.” Ambassador Butt also praised the reform agenda of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s government in the fields of economy, education, technology, and foreign policy, noting these reforms were driving national prosperity and opening new avenues for regional cooperation. He emphatically reaffirmed Liberland’s commitment to promoting trade, cultural exchange, and strategic partnership with Pakistan.
Dr. Saeed Elahi offered a reflective perspective on independence, emphasizing that it is “not just a name to celebrate,” but rather “a sacred trust whose protection is the responsibility of every generation.” He drew powerful parallels to historical sacrifices, referencing Major Aziz Bhatti’s unwavering determination despite severe injury and Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan’s arduous struggle to achieve nuclear capability. Through these examples, Dr. Elahi underscored the continuous need for sacrifice and vigilance in every era to preserve the essence of freedom.
Barrister Amrat Sheikh dedicated his address to paying homage to the nation’s founders and defenders. He stated that the day served to remember “millions of freedom fighters, martyrs, ghazis and unsung heroes who sacrificed everything and gave us this green crescent flag.” He poignantly described Pakistan as a land “soaked in the blood of martyrs” from “Kashmir to Karachi, from Khyber to Gwadar.
Barrister Salman eloquently characterized the nation as “not just a pile of soil, but a beautiful embodiment of the sighs, dreams and sacrifices of our ancestors.” He highlighted Pakistan’s resilience against global conspiracies and celebrated its contemporary achievements, stating, “Today we are sending a message to the world in the fields of technology, defense, literature and sports.
President Lahore Press Club, Mr Arshad Ansari said, “On this momentous occasion of Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, we gather not only to celebrate our freedom but to honor the unwavering spirit of sacrifice that forged this nation. As President of the Lahore Press Club, I stand proud among patriots, diplomats, and civil society to reaffirm that Pakistan’s strength lies in its unity and resilience. We commend initiatives like the Liberland Consulate’s ceremony, which strengthens diplomatic camaraderie and reflects global respect for Pakistan’s journey. As we raise our flag high, let us pledge to uphold the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam: unity, faith, and discipline.
In his address senior journalist Mubaher Bukhari said, “On this sacred day marking 78 years of Pakistan’s independence, as a journalist who has chronicled Pakistan’s journey from its triumphs to its trials, I stand reminded that freedom is both a legacy and a living promise. Today, “I commend the Republic of Liberland and its visionary Ambassador-at-Large, His Excellency Faisal Butt, for organizing this poignant ceremony. Such gestures of solidarity transcend diplomacy; they weave threads of mutual respect between nations. Ambassador Butt’s commitment to fostering Pakistan-Liberland ties reflects a profound understanding of shared values: peace, progress, and people-to-people kinship”.
To our hosts, “Your initiative mirrors the essence of what this day represents, unity beyond borders. In a world often fractured by division, you have built a bridge of goodwill”.
As journalists, “we bear witness to history. Let us pledge to uphold the truth that safeguards our freedom and to amplify the voices scripting Pakistan’s new chapter of prosperity. May our nation, forged in sacrifice, continue to rise”.
The attendees collectively voiced a powerful declaration of national unity and resolve. They proclaimed acting as “one soul, one heart and one voice, affirming that Pakistan transcends geography, representing instead “the blood that runs in our veins that unites us.” They honored the immense sacrifices made by their forefathers, who “left their homes, wasted their youth, made the tears of orphans their destiny” for this sacred land. Their unified message culminated in the resounding cry: “Long live Pakistan!”, accompanied by a solemn vow that “as long as there is a heartbeat in our chests, this flag will not fall from our hands.
The ceremony concluded on a symbolic and solemn note, with all participants joining in the cutting of the Independence Day cake. A special prayer was offered for the continued stability, prosperity, and well-being of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The event served as a significant gesture of goodwill from the Liberland Consulate and fostered a spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect among the diverse attendees.
Rana Ali Zohaib is an Investigative Journalist from Pakistan. Migration Media Awards Pakistan 2022 Winner. Journalist of The Year 2023 Award Winner Dubai. Caree Achievements Award 2023 Winner Dubai. He is President of Pakistan Federal Union of Columnists (PFUC).
