In solidarity with their homeland, the overseas chapters of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) marked “Youm-e-Tashakkur” (Gratitude Day) with a series of events across the globe. From Lahore to Tokyo and Jeddah, these gatherings paid tribute to Pakistan’s successful defence during the recent conflict with India, while also reaffirming the commitment of overseas Pakistanis to the country.
Lahore: Honouring Sacrifice and Unity
On 12 June 2025, the Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) organised a ceremony at Faletti’s Hotel in Lahore, chaired by OPC Vice Chairman Barrister Amjad Malik and attended by Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman as chief guest.
Acknowledging the services of Pakistan’s armed forces and nuclear leadership, Barrister Amjad Malik described 10 May and 28 May as defining moments in Pakistan’s history, citing them as days of national unity and sacrifice. He referred to overseas Pakistanis as “soldiers of Pakistan” and emphasised their continued support for the country, regardless of where they live. He also highlighted the commission’s ongoing initiatives, including the establishment of special courts to resolve diaspora-related issues and round-the-clock availability of the OPC’s online portal.
The event drew participation from prominent overseas Pakistanis, including Shumaila Rana, Farzana Kausar (UAE), Tayyaba Cheema (USA), Sheikh Saeed (president PML-N Saudi Arabia), Ansar Butt (general secretary PML-N Germany), Rana Zahid (PML-N South Africa), Shehzad Bhatti (president minority wing PML-N Italy), Parvez Iqbal (Belgium), and others from Japan, Spain, the UK, and the UAE.
Barrister Malik also met PML-N President Mian Nawaz Sharif in London, where he presented a progress report on the commission’s performance and discussed its expanding role at the international level.
Tokyo: reaffirming national pride
On 3 June 2025, Pakistani expatriates gathered in Tokyo to mark Youm-e-Tashakkur under the leadership of Rana Abrar Hussain, chief patron of the PML-N Japan Chapter. The event was attended by a large number of community members, who used the occasion to express solidarity with Pakistan and pay tribute to the armed forces and the country’s nuclear achievements.
Participants chanted slogans in support of Pakistan, the military, and the PML-N leadership. Speakers said the observance of Youm-e-Tashakkur symbolised national resilience and unity. Rana Abrar Hussain noted that overseas Pakistanis have consistently supported the country in difficult times and will continue to do so in the future.
Jeddah: prayers for the nation
In Jeddah, a well-attended Youm-e-Tashakkur event was jointly organised by Malik Manzoor Hussain Awan, focal person for the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and general secretary of PML-N Saudi Arabia, and Mehar Abdul Khaliq Lak, general secretary of PML-N Jeddah.
Members of the National Assembly, Azhar Qayyum Nahar and Chaudhry Nasir Iqbal Bosal, were the guests of honour. In their joint address, the lawmakers praised the bravery of the Pakistan Armed Forces and stated that the military had upheld the nation’s honour on the global stage.
Malik Manzoor Hussain Awan said that under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan had defended itself with strength and emerged victorious. He expressed gratitude to God for this outcome and noted that Pakistan was now in capable hands.
The event included a cake-cutting ceremony and a dinner reception. Certificates were also awarded to top-performing students from Quantum Kids School.
