The Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman (FPO) Secretariat marked Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day with heartfelt reverence for the nation’s rich history and a resolute pledge to shape a promising future. This event was organized under the leadership of President FPO and incumbent Federal Tax Ombudsman of Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah.
Ambassador Afrasiab Mehdi Hashmi and former Ambassador Abdul Moiz Bokhari (Advisor to Wafaqi Mohtasib) graced the event as special guests. Registrar of FOSPAH, Rehman Shehzad, former Advisor of Federal Tax Ombudsman, Mohammad Siddique alongwith Director General of FPO Trainings, Dr. Arslan Subuctageen, and senior bureaucrats Mr. Yasin Tahir and Mr. Ramzan Bhatti, also lent their presence to this event. The gathering was also attended by Advisors and senior officers from the Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat. Executive Secretary FPO, Almas Ali Jovindah hosted the event.
A heartfelt tribute was offered by FPO Secretariat to President FPO, Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah’s mother, Mrs. Naseera Begum as one of Pakistan’s senior citizens who migrated from India to Pakistan after independence. Mrs. Naseera brought with her not just memories, but the enduring spirit of a generation that sacrificed so much to build the nation we know today. As she recounted the hardships of migration, the event was filled with emotions, as each word she spoke carried the weight of history. She shared the heart-wrenching memory of losing her sister during the tumultuous journey of migration. The pain of leaving behind her home, her loved ones, and the life she had known was evident in her voice, yet so was her unyielding love for Pakistan. Despite all she endured, her pride in being a part of a free, independent nation was shining through.
The executive body of the FPO presented her with a beautiful floral bouquet and was then escorted to the flag hoisting area, where she took the lead in raising the national flag of Pakistan.
Afterwards, in his address, President FPO, Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to the attendees, expressing deep appreciation for their presence at the celebration despite the demands of their daily lives. In his opening address, Dr. Jah spoke not just as a leader, but as someone profoundly connected to the essence of independence. He urged the younger generation to embrace the challenges of today and to strive tirelessly for a future where Pakistan flourishes as a beacon of hope and prosperity. Dr. Jah shared his own journey, reflecting on the countless opportunities that Pakistan has afforded him and his family. These opportunities, he acknowledged, have been the foundation of the successes he and his children have achieve and this would not have been possible without the nurturing soil of Pakistan. He also expressed his commitment to giving back to this nation, particularly through his philanthropic work as the President of Customs Healthcare Society of Pakistan. He detailed the ongoing relief efforts in the flood-ravaged areas of Chitral, where his organization is making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected. President FPO stated that independence is not just about freedom, but about the responsibility we bear to uplift one another in the face of adversity.
Special Guest, Ambassador Afrasiab Hashmi who is known for his passionate oratory, wove together the threads of Pakistan’s identity that are firmly rooted in the teachings of Islam, Sunnah of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), the divine wisdom of the Holy Quran, and the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He eloquently emphasized that these guiding principles are not just historical ideals but living tenets that must be actively upheld in our daily lives. He urged the audience and the youth of Pakistan to embody these values while stressing that the true path to a prosperous and just Pakistan lies in our collective commitment to these ideals.
The former ambassador, Abdul Moiz Bokhari lauded Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah for his passionate commitment to celebrating Independence Day with such vibrant energy at the FPO Secretariat. He remarked that Dr. Jah’s dedication was not merely about tradition but about nurturing a living connection to Pakistan’s history and its enduring spirit.
He then turned to Mrs. Naseera Begum’s recollection of memories and how they serve as a powerful narrative that should never be forgotten as they are the tremendous price paid for the freedom we enjoy today—a freedom that carries with it the responsibility to honor and protect the legacy left by those who came before us. Mr. Bokhari extended his best wishes to all Pakistanis and expressed his belief in the nation’s bright future.
Senior bureaucrats, Yasin Tahir and Ramzan Bhatti also shared their views on the importance of independence and the significance of Pakistan. They urged the youth to remain steadfast and resolute in the face of adversities and work tirelessly to carve a name for themselves and give back to their homeland.
Executive Secretary FPO, Mr. Almas Ali Jovindah shared his reflections on the importance of independence as not just being a historical milestone but as a living, breathing responsibility that we all share. He also commended Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah’s deep-rooted patriotism and praised his relentless dedication to the betterment of Pakistan.
As the event came to a close, Almas Jovindah expressed his heartfelt thanks to everyone for coming together to celebrate Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day.
He extended special gratitude to President FPO, Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, for organizing the event with such remarkable zeal and enthusiasm, noting how Dr. Jah’s passion had truly made the celebration a memorable one. The ceremony concluded with a traditional Pakistani breakfast arranged by FPO Secretariat.
The heartfelt messages delivered in the 77th Independence Day Celebrations at FPO Secretariat reinvigorated the spirit of collective responsibility of all Pakistanis to honor their history while working towards a brighter, more prosperous future. Apart from celebrating the invaluable gift of independence, this event was a reaffirmation of the commitment to uphold the sovereignty and sanctity so valiantly fought for by the nation’s ancestors.
