The community celebrated the 82nd Pakistan Day in the UAE with a cake-cutting ceremony.

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to President Arif Alvi of Pakistan on the occasion of his country’s National Day, which is known as ‘Pakistan Day’.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also sent similar messages to President Alvi, and Prime Minister Imran Khan on the occasion.

Pakistanis in UAE have celebrated the 82nd Pakistan Day by attending two official ceremonies held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and showed their commitment and support towards their beloved country.

At the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, Ambassador of Pakistan to 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.

The Ambassador extended greetings to fellow Pakistanis in the UAE on the occasion of Pakistan Day - 2022. Paying homage to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and martyrs of Pakistan movement he said that on this day in 1940, our elders expressed their determination about demanding a separate homeland where they could lead lives according to their own principles and values. Their dream came true within a short span of time when Pakistan emerged on the world map as a sovereign state on 14 August 1947, despite all odds. It was possible because of untiring and unmatched struggle and sacrifices of our elders under the selfless leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Mentioning the role of overseas Pakistanis, Ambassador Mahmood said, “We recognise with admiration the contribution of Overseas Pakistanis towards ensuring progress of our country and prosperity of fellow Pakistanis. We consider Overseas Pakistanis an effective bridge between our two brotherly countries and a source of pride for us. I encourage them to educate both sides on the potential for trade, investment and tourism cooperation which can be explored and exploited in our mutual interest.

On our part, we would continue to intensify cooperation with the UAE through closer Government-to-Government and people-to-people contacts,” he added.

However, the other major ceremony was held at Pakistan Consulate in Dubai and Hassan Afzal Khan, Consul General of Pakistan to Dubai and Northern Emirates hoisted the national flag whilst the National Anthem was played. The messages of President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.

The Consul General extended warmest felicitations to the Pakistani community residing in the Emirates and said, “It was on 23rd March 1940 when the Muslims of the sub-continent under visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah adopted the ‘Pakistan Resolution’ at Lahore and commenced their journey towards freedom and nationhood. Through their unwavering resolve, Muslims of the subcontinent carved a separate homeland ‘Pakistan’ wherein they could lead their lives in peace and harmony. To achieve this freedom, our forefathers rendered enormous sacrifices. Today we pay tribute to our forefathers for their struggles and sacrifices in creation of our beautiful homeland,” he added.

Commending the role and contribution of overseas Pakistanis in prosperity and progress of Pakistan, Consul General said that the expatriate community is not only sending precious remittances back home, but are also contributing immensely to the development of their host country. The presence of 1.6 million Pakistanis living in the UAE is a manifestation of the people oriented relationship between the two countries. He urged the Pakistani community in the UAE to continue to work with the same commitment and hard work.

The Consul General said that community welfare and service is the top priority of Government of Pakistan. “We at the Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai continuously strive to improve public service delivery. Several measures have been introduced and more community friendly initiatives will be taken to enhance outreach and facilitation with all Pakistanis in Dubai and Northern Emirates,” he added.

The Consul General recalled the excellent fraternal relations between Pakistan and the UAE and hoped that Pakistan’s relations with the UAE will continue to grow under the visionary leadership of both countries.

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