ISLAMABAD: On behalf of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson wished the people of Pakistan on the occasion of their 70th Independence Day. Muhammad Jinnah’s founding vision of a progressive, inclusive Pakistan is still something worth cherishing and celebrating, and Pakistan should be rightly proud of its culture and history over the last 70 years, said a press release.

He said that the UK and Pakistan enjoy a close friendship thanks to the links between our people particularly the 1.2 million British people who are of Pakistani origin.

Whether on the cricket field, at Pakistani celebrations in the UK or through our strong education cooperation and support, the links between our two countries keep getting stronger, he added.

“As we celebrate our shared history together, and look forward to a future with more links, more trade and more cooperation between the UK and Pakistan, I wish the people of Pakistan Jashan-e-Azaadi Mubarak.”

On the other hand, Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau Monday congratulated the people of Pakistan on Independence Day.

“Today, we join Pakistani communities in Canada and around the world to celebrate seven decades of Pakistan’s independence,” said a message received here from Canada.

The two countries established a diplomatic relationship shortly after Pakistan was declared a sovereign nation in 1947.

We continue to work together to advance shared priorities, including governance and democracy, regional security, poverty reduction, polio eradication, trade, defence, and the fight against climate change.

The people-to-people connections between Canada and Pakistan are older still.

Pakistanis and Canadians continue to make major contributions to our country and help make Canada the prosperous, vibrant and open place it is today.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I offer our best wishes to all those celebrating Pakistan’s Independence Day,” he added.