Pakistan marks Independence Day; envoys praise UAE relations
- Last updated: August 14, 2026 | 09:32
As Pakistan marks Independence Day on Friday, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has extended his greetings to the nation, paying tribute to the leaders and sacrifices that led to the creation of Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE Shafqat Ali Khan and Consul General Hussain Muhammad also felicitated the Pakistani community in the UAE, highlighting its contributions and the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said: “Today, on the festive occasion of Independence Day, I extend my warmest and heartfelt felicitations to all my fellow Pakistanis at home and abroad.
Happy Independence Day!
“As Pakistan marks completion of 79 years of independence, I extend my cordial greetings to the entire nation. We remain profoundly grateful to Allah Almighty for blessing us with the invaluable gift of freedom in the form of our beloved homeland, Pakistan! “It is a matter of immense honour and pride for us all that the struggle for independence was led by eminent leaders like the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Mufakkir-e-Pakistan Poet of the East, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, and many other distinguished leaders.
Today, as a nation, we pay our earnest tribute to the leaders, stalwarts and workers of the Pakistan Movement and to our forefathers who made determined efforts to turn the dream of a free motherland into a reality.
“The cherished dream of an independent state was fulfilled owing to the statesmanship and visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the immense sacrifices of our forefathers, the unwavering resolve of the leaders of the Pakistan Movement, and the boundless grace and blessings of Allah Almighty!
“The inspiring political struggle of the leaders of the Pakistan Movement united the Muslims of the subcontinent around the common objective of an independent homeland. Our forefathers endured immense hardships and made unparalleled sacrifices, ultimately bringing the struggle for freedom to a successful conclusion.
“On 14 August 1947, we were blessed with a homeland where we could live as a free nation with dignity and honour and shape our lives in accordance with our religious and cultural values. Pakistan, as guided by values duly enshrined in Islamic teachings and the vision of the Father of the Nation, guarantees equal freedom to all citizens, without discrimination on the basis of caste, creed or colour. The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the laws of the land guarantee the fundamental rights of all citizens.”
Shafqat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, said: “On this joyous occasion of the 80th Independence Day of Pakistan, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to every member of our proud community across the United Arab Emirates. This day commemorates the vision, determination and sacrifices of our forefathers, led by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who secured for us a homeland where we could live with dignity, freedom and self-determination.
Shafqat Ali Khan.
“We pay tribute to the countless martyrs whose sacrifices made this dream a reality, and we remain forever indebted to their courage and conviction.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to the wise leadership and the people of the United Arab Emirates for their enduring friendship, visionary leadership and generous hospitality extended to the Pakistani community, which today proudly numbers over 2.2 million.
The longstanding fraternal relationship between Pakistan and the UAE, founded on shared values, mutual trust and deep people-to-people ties, continues to grow from strength to strength across the political, economic, investment, defence and cultural domains. The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s most valued partners, and a cherished second home for generations of Pakistanis.”
Hussain Muhammad.
Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, said: “I extend my heartfelt felicitations and warmest greetings to all members of the Pakistani community residing in the UAE on the joyous occasion of the Independence Day of our beloved homeland.
“On this auspicious occasion, I wish to acknowledge with deep appreciation the invaluable contributions of the Pakistani community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Through your hard work, professionalism, and dedication, you have earned respect for yourselves and for Pakistan.
“Beyond supporting your families through remittances, you serve as true ambassadors of our country and play a vital role in further strengthening the enduring bonds of friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding between Pakistan and the UAE.”