Pakistan Embassy in Kuwait marks Independence Day
KUWAIT: To commemorate the 78th anniversary of Pakistan's Independence, the Embassy of Pakistan in Kuwait organized a flag hoisting ceremony at the Chancery on 14 August 2025. The ceremony was well attended by a large number of Pakistani community members, including women and children.
Special messages from the President, Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out before the audience.
Ambassador, in his remarks, felicitated all fellow Pakistanis and highlighted the significance of the Day. He paid his tribute to our forefathers, whose sacrifices led to the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent. He also praised the valiant armed forces of Pakistan for their resounding victory against its arch enemy in Marka-e-Haq.
Pakistan's Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Zafar Iqbal delivers his message.
Cake-cutting on the occasion.
The Ambassador urged Pakistani community in Kuwait to work diligently and wholeheartedly towards the progress and development of Pakistan. He acknowledged the contribution made by Pakistani community in Kuwait towards the progress and development of both nations. Musical performances were also made by the children as well as Pakistani singers on famous national songs. A cake cutting ceremony also took place during the event.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Kuwait Times
Modi vows to protect farmers, pushes self-reliance amid Trump tariff tensions
India PM asks shops, traders to push local products NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the country on Friday to move towards more self-reliance, manufacture everything from fertilizers to jet engines and EV batteries, and vowed to protect farmers in the face of a trade conflict with Washington. With the punishing tariffs imposed on Indian exports by US President Donald Trump expected to hurt growth in the world's fastest growing major economy, Modi announced lower goods and services taxes (GST) from October - a move that could help boost consumption. He also announced India would set up a new defense system called 'Sudarshan Chakra' in the aftermath of India's four-day military conflict with Pakistan in May. He did not elaborate but a government statement said the system is aimed at neutralizing enemy infiltrations and enhancing India's offensive capabilities. GUWAHATI: Assam police commandos march during India's Independence Day celebrations in Guwahati on August 15, 2025.-- AFP ndian defense and policy circles have informally referred to the Russian S-400 air defense system - which played a key role during the fighting with Pakistan - as Sudarshan Chakra, after a Hindu mythological weapon. Modi was addressing the nation on the occasion of its Independence Day at a time New Delhi has been grappling with Trump's tariffs and the collapse of trade talks, largely due to differences over imports of American farm and dairy products. 'Farmers, fishermen, cattle rearers are our top priorities,' Modi said in his customary annual address from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi. 'Modi will stand like a wall against any policy that threatens their interests. India will never compromise when it comes to protecting the interests of our farmers,' he said. Modi did not mention the tariffs or the US in his speech that lasted nearly two hours. Last week, Trump imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, citing New Delhi's continued imports of Russian oil in a move that sharply escalated tensions between the two nations. The new import tax will raise duties on some Indian exports to as high as 50 percent - among the highest levied on any US trading partner. Modi has never spoken about the tariffs directly, only alluding to them in a speech last week, where he swore to protect the interests of farmers, even if it came at a personal price. Farmers are a key political constituency in India and they violently protested against Modi's last big push to reform the sector, forcing him to repeal three farm laws in 2021 in what was a rare defeat for him. Although local manufacturing and self-reliance have been Modi's key focus areas for years now, the push is seen to have gained urgency amid ongoing global trade tensions and supply chain disruptions. 'The need of the hour is to take a resolve for building a strong India ... I want our traders, shopkeepers to display boards for 'Swadeshi' products,' Modi said, using the Hindi word for made in India goods. He said made in India semiconductor chips would hit the market by the end of this year and that India was pushing for self-reliance in producing critical minerals with exploration underway at more than 1,200 locations. Trump's tariffs threaten to disrupt India's access to its largest export market, where shipments totaled nearly $87 billion in 2024, hitting sectors like textiles, footwear, shrimp, gems and jewelry. In retaliation, some supporters of Modi have sought to stoke anti-American sentiment and called for a boycott of US companies such as McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Amazon and Apple. Trade talks between New Delhi and Washington collapsed after five rounds of negotiations over disagreement on opening India's vast farm and dairy sectors and stopping Russian oil purchases. Modi's promise to cut GST by October's Diwali festival, which encompasses one of India's biggest shopping seasons, follows previous commitments to overhaul it by reducing the number of rate brackets under the 2017 tax regime. A group of ministers have been preparing a report that will consider merging tax slabs and lowering rates on some products. In February, India cut personal income tax for some individuals to boost spending. Earlier this month, the central bank kept interest rates steady, following a 100 basis point cut this year so far. The government has proposed to the ministers' panel that it recommend reducing taxes on mass use items as well as on goods used by women, students and farmers to boost consumption and enhance affordability, the finance ministry said in an X post. The government will move towards making GST a simple tax with two rate slabs, one standard and another merit, it said. Special rates will be applicable only for a few select items. — Reuters
Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Kuwait Times
Indonesia president touts economy, social welfare drive
JAKARTA: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (center) bows before delivering his annual State of the Nation Address, ahead of the country's Independence Day in Jakarta on August 15, 2025. -- AFP JAKARTA: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized an expectation-defying economy, low unemployment rate and slew of ambitious social welfare initiatives as he delivered his first state address to parliament on Friday. The ex-special forces commander took office in October after a campaign to rehabilitate an image tainted by allegations of rights abuses committed during the Suharto dictatorship in the late 1990s. The 73-year-old populist leader has pledged fast, state-driven growth to transform Southeast Asia's largest country into a major global powerhouse. But his hallmark schemes, including a free school meal program to address childhood stunting, have strained state coffers, stoked investor fears and triggered student protests. In his speech, Prabowo defended his social policies and pointed to positive second-quarter economic results after his government set an ambitious goal of eight percent growth. 'Amid political conflict, global economic conflict, (and the US) trade war... Indonesia still managed to grow above five percent,' he told parliament. After US President Donald Trump threatened Indonesia with a heavy tariff rate of 32 percent in April, Prabowo negotiated a lower levy of 19 percent in return for bringing down trade barriers for American goods. Last week, the statistics agency showed Q2 growth had accelerated to 5.12 percent, beating forecasts and up from 4.87 percent the previous quarter. He also pointed to the unemployment rate, which has dropped to its lowest since the Asian financial crisis. On his social welfare agenda, Prabowo shrugged off criticism of the billion-dollar free lunch program for schoolkids and pregnant mothers, touting its reach of 20 million people. 'Our goal... is to be free from poverty, free from hunger, free from suffering,' he said. He faced protests across Indonesia in February for widespread cuts to fund the scheme—which has been dogged by reported delays and food poisonings—as well as a new sovereign wealth fund. Prabowo succeeded the popular Joko Widodo last year in a third attempt at the presidency after a campaign in which he pledged policy continuity. Prabowo will also unveil the 2026 budget later on Friday, ahead of the archipelago nation's independence day on Sunday. — AFP
Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
Vibrant Celebrations as Indians in Kuwait Honour 79th Independence Day
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 16: Kuwait's Indian community came together in a vibrant celebration of patriotism and unity on Friday, 15 August 2025, to mark India's 79th Independence Day at the Indian Embassy. The day began with the ceremonial hoisting of the Indian national flag by H.E. Dr. Adarsh Swaika, India's Ambassador to Kuwait. As the Tricolour fluttered against the clear morning sky, the strains of the national anthem resonated across the embassy grounds, evoking pride and emotion among those gathered. In his address, Ambassador Dr. Swaika paid homage to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices secured India's independence. He also reflected on the nation's remarkable achievements in technology, economic growth, and international diplomacy, and praised the Indian diaspora in Kuwait for their efforts in strengthening India's global reputation. The event drew Indian nationals from across Kuwait, alongside local dignitaries, who joined in the celebrations. The morning concluded with traditional Indian refreshments, creating a warm and festive atmosphere for all attendees. As India celebrated its 79th year of independence, the embassy event stood as both a tribute to the country's historic struggle for freedom and a reaffirmation of the shared heritage, values, and aspirations that unite Indians around the world.
