Pakistani community in Oman celebrates 53rd Defence Day

Energy Monday 17/September/2018 20:26 PM
By: Times News Service
Pakistani community in Oman celebrates 53rd Defence Day

Muscat: Pakistanis in Oman marked the country’s 53rd Defence Day with patriotic fervour.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Oman Ali Javed hosted a diplomatic reception in Muscat recently, on board the navy ship (PNS) Khaibar with commodore Said bin Abdullah Al Saadi as head of the delegation from the Sultanate.
The celebration organised by the embassy was attended by 150 guests, including diplomatic corps, Omani academia, intellectuals and businessmen, as well as the Pakistani community, with groups travelling from Buraimi, Sohar, Seeb and Nizwa to participate in the event.
CEO SalamAir, CEO W J Towell Group and Tahra Al Zadjalyah, director of external affairs, ministry of information, were also present.
Captain Farhan, commander PNS Khaibar, outlining the depth of bilateral maritime co-operation and Pakistan Navy’s contributions to anti-piracy efforts, shared the recently launched “regional maritime surveillance patrol” (RMSP) initiative.
The ambassador praised Pakistan’s armed forces and highlighted his country’s commitment to the UN charter and leading contributions to UN Peace-Keeping Operations (UNPKOs) since its inception in 1960, whereby 153 Pakistani peacekeepers sacrificed their lives in 43
UNPKOs.
The event also included handing out of certificates of excellence to Pakistani students who won the “Draw Iqbal” competition.
Social club holds event
Pakistan Social Club (PSC) also held a Defence Day event in Barakah recently.
The event was attended by Commodore (retired) Farrukh Mehfooz, who was especially invited from Pakistan on the occasion. Other invitees included singer Imran Shoukat, son of famous folk singer Shoukat Ali, who sang patriotic songs.
The programme started with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Religious songs were sung by the famous reciter, Mujtaba Zeeshan. A documentary was also played on the occasion.
PSC director Qamar Riaz gave the introductory address. Shabbir Ahmad Nadeem, Vice Chairman of PSC, and Muhammad Ali Fazal, General Secretary and Director of PKC, gave speeches praising the Pakistan army’s sacrifices. Poet Murrawat Ahmad recited verses in praise of the martyrs. General Secretary Muhammad Zaeem Akhtar expressed his gratitude to the guests for attending the event.
PSC thanked the sponsors for the event, Muhammad Riaz, Al Safoorah food, Stone World International company, Instant Cash, Rahat Computers, Sohar Poly Industries, Itifaq Travels and Tourism, Bank Muscat and Almawaj Al Saba Trading, besides the Board of Directors of PSC for their support.