By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: The Pakistan-Canada Friendship Association (PCFA) commemorated the 159th National Day of Canada with a dignified and well-attended ceremony held at the Democratic Lawn of the Lahore High Court Bar Association, Lahore.
The event reflected the Association’s continued commitment to strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship, mutual understanding, and people-to-people engagement between Pakistan and Canada.
The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi, President of the Pakistan-Canada Friendship Association. Among those addressing the gathering were Mr. Muhammad Waheed Qureshi, Secretary General of the Association; Mian Ghulam Ullah Khan Joiya, Advocate (Chief Guest); Khalid Zaman Khan Kakar, Advocate;Noor Muhammad Kasuri، Shamsul Haq Qazafi; Muhammad Afzal Haq Khurram; Masroor Ahmad; Shehbaz Rashid Qureshi Advocate; Ali Imran Shaheen, Dr. Shahid Naseer; Tahir Qureshi Advocate; Manzoor Ali Bhatti; Inam Abbas Advocate; Samina Khokhar Advocate, together with members of the legal fraternity, civil society, academia, media, and the Association.
In their remarks, the speakers emphasized that Pakistan and Canada enjoy a longstanding relationship built upon mutual respect, democratic values, the rule of law, human rights, pluralism, and constructive international cooperation.
They acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the vibrant Pakistani-Canadian community in fostering closer bilateral relations through trade, investment, education, innovation, cultural exchange, and community engagement.
The participants reaffirmed the Pakistan-Canada Friendship Association’s commitment to promoting dialogue, public diplomacy, intercultural understanding, and meaningful people-to-people contacts, while encouraging greater cooperation in areas of shared interest for the mutual benefit of both countries.
On behalf of the Association, the participants conveyed their warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Government and the people of Canada on the occasion of Canada’s 159th National Day, expressing confidence that the enduring partnership between Pakistan and Canada will continue to flourish in the spirit of friendship, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.
During the ceremony, a unanimously adopted resolution respectfully appealed to the Government of Canada to consider introducing special visa facilitation measures for Pakistani citizens aged 60 years and above, including the possibility of visa-free travel or, alternatively, a simplified and priority visa process.
The resolution observed that such a humanitarian initiative would facilitate family reunification, tourism, cultural exchanges, and stronger people-to-people connectivity, thereby further enhancing bilateral goodwill and mutual understanding.
The ceremony concluded with the ceremonial cutting of a commemorative National Day cake. Participants enthusiastically reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Canada friendship and expressed optimism regarding the continued expansion of bilateral cooperation and enduring people-to-people ties.
The Pakistan-Canada Friendship Association remains dedicated to promoting friendship, dialogue, mutual respect, and constructive engagement between the peoples of Pakistan and Canada, while supporting initiatives that contribute to stronger bilateral relations and international cooperation.
