British High Commissioner's message of hope on Pakistan's Independence Day
Umeed, a poem by the national poet, Allama Iqbal, has formed the centrepiece of the UK’s celebration of Pakistan’s Independence Day this year.
A video of the British High Commissioner to Pakistan Philip Barton CMG OBE reading the poem Umeed (Hope) in Urdu was published online and in social media as his Independence Day message.
This poem followed on from a comment piece written by the British High Commissioner published earlier this week that called for Pakistan and its international partners to recognise the opportunities in Pakistan.
Speaking about the poem, Mr Philip Barton said:
Though he predates the birth of Pakistan, in many of his poems, Iqbal captured the essence of life for Pakistani people. I believe the people of Pakistan and its friends overseas should embrace the message of this poem – a message of hope.
I and my High Commission colleagues, and the people of Britain, take pleasure in joining the people of Pakistan to mark today’s celebrations – Pakistan’s 68 years of independent life as a nation. I wish all Pakistanis here and back in the UK a very happy Jashan e Azaadi!’
Notes to editors
To view and download the video of the British High Commissioner reciting the poem Allama Iqbal, please visit following link
Contact: Press Attaché, British High Commission, Islamabad; tel. 051-2012000