Maryam Aminu
The High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Nigeria has commemorated Pakistan’s Independence Day and Defence Day with a reception that highlighted the country’s resilience, achievements, and long-standing ties with Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Major General Sohail Ahmad Khan expressed pride in his country’s journey since 1947, noting its progress as a reliable global partner in peace, security, and development.
“Pakistan has risen from humble beginnings to become a beacon of resilience, progress, and global stature,” the envoy stated.
He highlighted Pakistan’s contributions to international peace, including the deployment of more than 200,000 troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions since 1960, as well as its active role in counter-terrorism and advocacy for justice in regions such as Kashmir and Palestine.
The High Commissioner also underscored Pakistan’s economic and agricultural strengths, noting that the country ranks among the world’s top producers of cotton, rice, sugarcane, wheat, mangoes, dates, and oranges.
He added that Pakistan remains a major global supplier of sports goods while also being home to natural wonders such as K2, the world’s second-highest peak.
Turning to national security, he paid tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces, ranked 12th globally in the 2025 Global Firepower Index.
He lauded their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, where more than 80,000 lives have been lost, and pointed to the recent success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos in May 2025 as evidence of Pakistan’s military resilience.
On bilateral relations, the envoy praised the decades-long partnership between Pakistan and Nigeria, describing it as one built on “brotherhood, trust, and strategic cooperation.”
He noted that the relationship continues to expand across trade, economic development, and defence.
The event was attended by senior Nigerian government officials, members of the diplomatic community, defence attaches, and officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The High Commissioner reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace, innovation, and prosperity, declaring: “Together, we are unbreakable. Pakistan Armed Forces Zindabad! Pakistan-Nigeria Relations Zindabad! Pakistan Painda Baad!”
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