08/15/2026
The Consulate General of Pakistan in Toronto commemorated the 80th Independence Day of Pakistan, alongside the year-long celebrations marking the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, at a ceremony held at the Consulate General today.
The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the national flag. Special messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan on the occasion were read. The event also featured a documentary highlighting the life, leadership and historic struggle of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his enduring vision for Pakistan.
In his remarks, Consul General Khalil Ahmed Bajwa extended felicitations to the Pakistani community on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day and paid tribute to the vision, leadership and enduring legacy of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He also acknowledged the valuable role of the Pakistani diaspora in further strengthening the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Canada.
The ceremony was graced by Senator Salma Ataullah Jan, Hon. Shafqat Ali, President of the Treasury Board of Canada; Ms. Iqra Khalid, Member of Parliament; Ms. Salma Zahid, Member of Parliament; Mr. Michael Coteau, Member of Parliament; Hon. Zee Hamid, Ontario’s Associate Solicitor General for Auto Theft and Bail Reform; Mr. Sheref Sabawy, Member of Provincial Parliament; Ms. Stephanie Bowman, Member of Provincial Parliament, Ms. Andrea Hazell, Member of Provincial Parliament and Bonnie Crombie, former leader of the Ontario provincial party.
Members of the diplomatic corps, prominent members of the Pakistani-Canadian community were also present on the occasion.
The Canadian dignitaries extended their felicitations to the Government and people of Pakistan on the 80th Independence Day and acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Pakistani-Canadian community to Canada’s social, economic and cultural fabric and to the strengthening of Pakistan-Canada relations.
Former Pakistan cricketer Saeed Anwar, who was also present on the occasion, made brief remarks and extended his felicitations to the Pakistani community.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation by a large number of members of the Pakistani-Canadian community, including families and youth, reflecting a strong spirit of patriotism and attachment to Pakistan.
