The Pakistani Community living here in the Gambia on August 14th marked the country’s 76 years of independence.
In a ceremony held at Sand Beach Hotel, the community joined their Honorary Consul, Kebba K. Kurubally to hoist Pakistan’s flag and slice a giant cake as part of the celebration which was attended by Gambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. MomodouTangara and Ambassador Saima Sayed, the Pakistani diplomat based in Dakar.
Addressing the gathering, Consul Kurubally on behalf of Pakistan’s government sent out a message of unity between Gambia and Pakistan. “Let us unite to address the social, political, economic and security challenges that lie ahead. By working hand in hand, we can ensure a brighter future for our beloved nations,” Consul Kurubally remarked. “As we hoist Pakistani flag high here in the Gambia today is a clear testimony that Pakistani residents in the Gambia are far from home but still feel at home here in the Gambia,” he said. “We should therefore all join hand and pay homage to those who endured hardships and faced immense challenges to secure the birth of Pakistan as a nation,” he added.
Consul Kurubally went on to express gratitude to all those who joined them to grace the occasion. Noting: “Your presence reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two nations.” He said they were honored to have received messages from President Dr. Arif Alvi of Pakistan and his prime minister.
Kurubally also hailed Minister Tangara and Ambassador Sayed for creating such a brotherly and friendly environment between the Gambia and Pakistan.
Mr. Momodou Bah, the Director of Gambia Food Safety and Quality Control Authority also made a briefed statement.
He disclosed that he had just returned from Pakistan where he attended an international food exhibition. He emphasized the need for and importance of cooperation between Gambians and Pakistanis so that rice production and trade can be enhanced. He said Gambia can import rice from Pakistan which produces a great deal of rice.
Other speakers included Mr. Lamin Yabo, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as a representative of Pakistani community in the Gambia.