Lahore: A prestigious ceremony was organized under the auspices of the Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) Punjab as part of the Independence Day International Week celebrations for overseas Pakistanis. The event was hosted by Sheikh Saeed Ahmed, President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Saudi Arabia.Provincial Minister and Vice Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) Punjab, Barrister Amjad Malik, was the chief guest, while Provincial Minister for Zakat and Ushr Rashid Iqbal Nasrullah was the main speaker.Former MPA from Gujrat and former Chairman of the District Overseas Committee Gujrat, Shabbir Ahmed Kotla; MPA Raheela Khadim Hussain; PML-Q Coordinator Nadeem Pehalwan; Chief Minister’s Spokesperson Kausar Kazmi; senior journalist Azhar Javed from London; and Sajid Sheikh from Bahrain also addressed the ceremony and conveyed their messages on the occasion of Independence Day.The ceremony was attended by Adviser to the Chief Minister Punjab on Zakat and Ushr Affairs Rashid Nasrullah, MPA Raheela Khadim Hussain, and a large number of distinguished personalities and overseas Pakistanis.Pakistanis residing in different countries around the world also participated in the ceremony and expressed their feelings, views, and best wishes on the occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day. The participants offered special prayers for the development, prosperity, peace, and stability of Pakistan.Among the participants were Kuwait Traders Wing President Shamshad Khan Tanoli, renowned singer Shahid, Muhammad Ali Rajgaria from the United Kingdom, Usama Malik, Babar Sattar, Junaid Sattar, President PML-N Turkey Mir Abrar, Faisal Malik, Middle East Pakistan Peoples Party in-charge RCCL Sajjad Nazir from the United Arab Emirates, Advocate Umair Butt from Oman, Kashif Amin from China, Muhammad Asif from Bahrain, businessman Sajid Sheikh, former Kuwait President Niaz Abid, Barrister Taha Salik, LDA Adviser Sardar Ghazanfar Advocate, Advocate Younis Naul, businessman Shahzad Aslam, Khawaja Rameez, Azhar Malik and Saad Saeed from Saudi Arabia, and Arshad Malik of Nawaz Sharif Lovers.Addressing the gathering, Barrister Amjad Malik said that overseas Pakistanis are a valuable asset of Pakistan and a vital force contributing to the country’s development and prosperity. He said that Pakistanis living abroad are not only contributing significantly to the national economy but are also playing an important role in promoting Pakistan’s positive image across the world.He said that OPC Punjab continues to take effective measures to resolve the issues of overseas Pakistanis, facilitate them, and protect their rights. He emphasized that the Punjab government’s priority is to provide all possible facilities to overseas Pakistanis so that they can maintain a strong and active connection with their homeland.The participants reaffirmed their commitment to Pakistan’s independence, national unity, peace, development, and prosperity. They expressed their resolve to continue playing an even more effective role in the country’s progress through their skills, expertise, and resources.At the conclusion of the ceremony, Imam of Badshahi Mosque, Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabeer Azad, offered a special prayer for the security, stability, development, and prosperity of Pakistan.