Seek UAE's progress while serving your country, Pak envoy tells compatriots in I-Day address

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

Scores of community members from different walks of life and residing in the UAE celebrated the country's 75th Independence Day with national fervour and profound patriotism.

In this regard the main official function was held at the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE Afzaal Mahmood hoisted the National Flag while the National Anthem was played. Messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.

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The Ambassador extended greetings to fellow Pakistanis in the UAE on the occasion of Independence Day 2021. He recalled the struggle and contribution of the heroes of Pakistan movement and said that on 14th August 1947, the world witnessed a miracle when Pakistan emerged as an independent state on the world map. "This was a result of political, democratic and constitutional struggles of our forefathers under the able and selfless leadership of the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah," he added.

Pakistan Consul General in Dubai Hassan Afzal Khan hoists the national flag. Kamal Kassim/Gulf Today

Referring to the role of the Pakistani community in the UAE, the Ambassador appreciated their contribution to the development of the UAE and for supporting the national economy and improving ties between Pakistan and the UAE. He emphasised the need for all to stand united, disciplined and committed to face every challenge that comes in the way of progress. He urged Pakistanis in the UAE to demonstrate utmost responsibility and commitment towards development of the UAE while serving their own country.

He assured full support of the diplomatic team in the UAE and said that they were ready to work closely with the community to promote the interest of our beloved nation. "On the government’s part, we would continue to intensify cooperation with the UAE through closer government-to-government and people-to-people contacts," he said.

A cake-cutting ceremony was also held to commemorate the Independence Day. The ceremony concluded with prayers for progress, prosperity and solidarity of the country.

However, a similar ceremony in a simple manner was also held at the Consulate General in Dubai and headed by Consul General Hassan Afzal Khan.

Gayan Chand, deputy consul general, read out President Dr Arif Alvi's message.

A section of the Pakistani community at the event. Kamal Kassim/Gulf Today

The message of Prime Minister Imran Khan was read out by Musawwar Ahmed, senior officer at the Consulate General.

Hassan Afzal Khan, Consul General in Dubai, said that "on this auspicious day we as Pakistan community members should fulfil the pledges of our leader Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Quaid Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to make Pakistan a great nation."

The number of community members were limited to fulfil the coronavirus SOPs.

He reiterated the significance of the day by paying homage to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent. He also talked about the ideals which serve as the guiding principles for the nation’s march to peace and progress.

The Consul General commended the Pakistani community residing in the UAE for playing a vital role in the progress of the UAE and Pakistan. He assured them of full support from the Consulate General of Pakistan and said that more community friendly initiatives will be taken to enhance outreach and facilitation for all Pakistanis in Dubai and Northern Emirates.

A majority of the participants were adorned with national flags, badges and colourful decorations in green and white colours.

Groups of young children were given badges of national flags while girls sported white and green hand bands, caps and other merchandise to show their solidarity with Pakistan.

The ceremonies were held in simplicity in the wake of Muharram Al Haram month.

Pakistani residents spread patriotic cheer. Kamal Kassim/Gulf Today

A young girl also shared her pledges with the community to make the country better and progressive.

A cake-cutting ceremony was also held to commemorate the Independence Day.

Dr Akram Chaudhry, a resident of Sharjah for the last 38 years, has been celebrating the country's Independence Day in his own unique way: by walking all the way to the Dubai Consulate.

"Since 2015, I have been doing this solidarity walk in the remembrance of thousands of migrants who reach their new homeland Pakistan after walking for months during the Partition in 1947," he said.

Chaudhry started early in the morning at 4am from Pakistan Social Centre Sharjah (PSCS) and reached the Consulate General in Dubai after walking for 4 hours and 13 minutes.

He was warmly received by the Consulate officials who appreciated his solidarity walk he has been doing for years.