KABUL – Pakistan Embassy in Afghanistan celebrated Pakistan's National Day on Tuesday. The reception was attended by Cabinet ministers, Afghan political leaders including heads of political parties, military leadership, prominent businessmen, senior government officials, diplomats and representatives of international organizations.
Speaking at the occasion, Pakistan's Ambassador to Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq said that Pakistan and Afghanistan share common history, religion, geography, culture, tradition and values. He said the destinies of the two countries were also inter­1inked.

Ambassador Sadiq emphasized that Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship was not just between two states, but it was a truly people to people partnership.

Pakistan Ambassador underlined that Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship signified a model of regional integration. He said this was evident from large scale movement of Afghans to Pakistan for socio-economic reasons; presence of ever 3 million Afghan refugees still in Pakistan, more than 30,000 Afghans graduating from Pakistan in past three decades and 7,000 Afghans studying in Pakistani universities.

He said Pakistan supported an orderly transition of security responsibilities to Afghan security forces as well as an Afghan-led peace and reconciliation for an intra­Afghan political settlement.

Syed Makhdoom Rahin, Minister of Information and Culture, who was the chief guest at the occasion congratulated Pakistan on its National Day. He highlighted the deep-rooted interaction and bonds of brotherhood existing between the two countries. Makhdoorn Rabin underlined the need for close cooperation and collaboration between the two countries for pursuing peace, security and development for a better future of the people of two countries.

This is the first time that Pakistan Embassy hosted its National Day Reception at Pakistan complex in Karte Parwan. It may be recalled that Embassy shifted back to this building a few months ago, in November2011. (PR)