Dubai/Abu Dhabi Pakistani expatriates in the UAE celebrated their country's 62nd Independence Day yesterday with a renewed pledge to support their government in its fight against terrorism.
"Though there are many challenges to deal with, we have all the reasons to celebrate Independence Day with dignity and pride thanks to the successful military operation to root out terrorism, which had brought the country to the brink of disintegration," Khursheed Ahmad Junejo, Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE, said.
Junejo said the late Benazir Bhutto's politics of reconciliation has provided positive results. "President Asif Ali Zardari has successfully managed to garner the support of all the political and religious groups in the country to fight against terrorism and to resolve issues of national interest," he added.
The ambassador asked members of the Pakistani community to shun provincialism and identify themselves as Pakistanis first because "you are nothing without your country".
The ambassador said military dictators had done most damage to Pakistan. "We will not allow any more dictators to usurp power and derail thdemocracy in future," he said.
Pakistani Consul General in Dubai Dr Saeed Mahmoud said the Pakistani government was focused on poverty alleviation, development of education and strengthening of democratic institutions to counter the challenge of terrorism and pave the way for development.
Javed Malek, Pakistan's Ambassador At Large, urged the community to stand by the democratic government facing a lot of challenges such as energy crisis, unemployment, poverty and inflation. "All these issues will be resolved with the strengthening of democracy in the country," he added.
A number of functions were held to celebrate Pakistan's Independence Day yesterday. Junejo hoisted the national flag at the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi in the presence of a large number of expatriates.
Dr Mahmoud hoisted the flag in Dubai, which was followed by the singing of the national anthem and national songs by school children.
The celebrations in the UAE started on Thursday night with thousands of people gathering at the Pakistan Association premises in Dubai. Owing to the crowd, many expatriates were denied entry in the Pakistan Association premises and the police had to step in to bring things under control.
"This function is by invitation only and we cannot allow anyone to enter the arena," said an association member.
However, more than hundred people stranded outside the gate said the they came to the association after reading advertisements in the newspapers.
"It is very unfortunate that Pakistanis are denying access to their fellow Pakistanis on Independence Day. They should have opened their doors to everyone," said one angry man, who was pushed out by security guards.
Social worker Abdul Sattar Pardesi and Mian Muneer Hans organised an Independence Day function at a local hotel in Dubai on Thursday. It was for the first time that the national anthem was played followed by cake cutting ceremony coinciding with the beginning of August 14 according to the Pakistan time at midnight (10pm UAE time).
In Sharjah, a function was organised by prominent community members including Chaudhry Zafar Iqbal, Syed Sajjad Shah and Sardar Javed Yaqoub. Junejo attended the function.
Supporters of Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf also organised a function at a local hotel. Dr Sheeri Mazari, defence analyst, came especially from Pakistan to attend it.
Community hall on track
On the occasion of Independence Day, Khursheed Ahmad Junejo, Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE, laid the foundation stone for the construction of the much-awaited multi-purpose hall being built by the Pakistan Association in Dubai.
A number of expatriates were present at the ceremony. Construction of the hall had been on hold for more than two decades due to the lack of funds.
"We hope to inaugurate the hall in seven months on March 23 next year, which marks Pakistan Day," Riaz Farooq, president of the association, said. "It is a dream come true for all of us and a great gift to the community."
Junejo promised that the Pakistan government would bear part of the construction cost for the community project.
"I also urge the leading community members to step forward and donate funds for the much needed facility," Junejo added.
The total cost of the project has fallen to Dh20 million from Dh24 million estimated earlier. Construction of the hall will cost Dh5 million.
The project has been divided into three phases. The first phase includes the construction of a multi-purpose hall and a library building at the cost of Dh5 million.
The second phase will include the construction of a banquet hall, association offices and a food court. The third phase will include the construction of a new mosque and 20-room accommodation for guests.
Have your say
How did you celebrate the Independence Day? What is the significance of this day to you at a personal level? Share your thoughts with us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the comments form below.
Your comments
I m proud to be a Pakisatani. I want to wish every Pakistani here in UAE. We are staying here but we love our Pakistan same like these peoples who are living in Pakistan. May God protect my Pakistan we are also here to save and long live to our Pakistan. PAKISTAN ZINDABAD.
Mohammad Navaid Shaikh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2009, 16:48
On behalf of this valued occassion of our 62nd Independence ceremony, I would like to extend my hearty devotions to all my "Pakistanies" and request to present themselves in a such decent way that all other nationalities should treat us "Live and excellent Pakistanies" also do their best to share in the betterment of UAE being the part of it.
Azad Hussain Qamar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2009, 16:41
Congratulations to all Pakistani community, a very "Happy independence Day". Every body enjoyed the happy moments of this national day. Also I appreciate UAE Govt. and especially Dubai Police who co-operate with us in such celebrations. Our community should also respect the rules and regulations of the Country where they stay with peace and happiness.
Sher Ahmad Mahsud
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2009, 15:56
We are Proud to be Pakistani, May God give more strength and Prosperity to our Country. Pakistan Zinda Baad
Happy Independance Day to whole Pakistani Nation.
Moiz Quraishi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2009, 15:49
I would like to wish every pakistani a very happy independece day and wish that God shower His blessings on our country. Wherever we are in the world we will be considered as Pakistani and I feel proud to be Pakistani. Wish all very best wishes for the progress of Pakistan.
Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2009, 15:32
long live pakistan and uae, i being a pakitani and residing in uae from last 15 years found both places quite friendly and available for each other to help. i am realy thankful to the uae government to provide full freedom to celebrate our country's national day with full fledge. i pray to God for the solidarity and friendship between both nations. me and a lot of my friends celebrate both national days of pakistan and uae with our heartly emotions.
Nadeem Ahmad
Al Ain,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2009, 14:55
PAKISTAN!! I m proud to be a Pakisatani and every Pakistani should be! We got this freedom by giving many scarifices and we must understand... And Many Happy INDEPENDENCE DAY to all of u ....
Munawar Hussain
Al Ain,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2009, 14:48
Happy Independence day.I want to wish every Pakistani around the world a very Happy Independence day.Wherever we go and wherever we will be we will always be very proud to be Pakistani. Pakistan Zindabad!!
Huma Shadan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2009, 13:42
Long Live Pakistan, Long Live UAE. for me its been 5 years in UAE and the traditional zeal is always witnessed on Pakistan Day.
Kamran Aziz
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2009, 11:25
We are proud of our country and being a pakistani on the occasion of 62 independence day of pakistan i would like to say "PAKISTAN ZINDABAD PAKISTAN PAINDABAD"
Faisal Bin Ghafoor
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2009, 10:40
to achieve the freedom is much easier than to maintain it. we are independent only through boundaries but our social life is not free from poverty, illiteracy, hunger, terrorism, disease and many other social and personal evils. celebrating the 14th august is not a occasional day its the significant for the benefit of Muslim community ,which the forefathers has made for us. but still we are standing on the same day of 14th august 1947,when there was alarming situation and chaos. we should celebrate the independence day with efforts to make Pakistan strong in all aspects not only that raising the flag, singing the national anthem and speeches with alluring words and as the day passes we again forget the meaning of independence till next 14th august. so I request all Pakistan community that its not the duty of a some persons, officials or departments to think about Pakistan, its a single person thought that every one has to think about and if you don?t think about Pakistan than you not deserve to celebrate the day.
Shahzad Shaikh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2009, 10:25
I appreciate all pakistanies who lives in aboads and supporting the country. I also Congratulate all pakistani peoples for 62th Independence day.
please try to live as one unit because if pakistan is exit then you are there.
May Allah protect our Country from all dangers.
PAKISTAN ZINDA BAD
Sh Amjad Mahmoud
Mandi Baha ud din,Pakistan
Posted: August 15, 2009, 08:36
today ambassador did not look very professional. for such a special event. he didnt shave. I and many others noticed ,he was also making many mistakes in speech. Shame on him
Sidra Masoom
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2009, 02:18
