Pakistanis urged to get involved in country's electoral process

Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Pakistanis should stop criticising their country for the sake of criticism and should think about what they have done for their country, said a senior diplomat.

"Critics of Pakistan should think about what their country has given them and what they have done for their country and for its progress," said Chaudhry Abdul Hamid, Consul General of Pakistan, while addressing community members gathered yesterday at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai at the flag hoisting ceremony to mark the country's 60th Independence Day.

Earlier, the day began with community members praying for the country's prosperity and progress. Flag hoisting ceremonies were held at the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi and its Consulate General in Dubai.

Ambassador Ahsan Ullah Khan unfurled the national flag in the presence of a large number of community members, foreign guests, government officials and embassy staff in Abu Dhabi. In Dubai, Chauhdry Abdul Hamid hoisted the flag.

Progress

Speaking at the Grand Musical Show held to mark the Independence Day in Dubai, the Ambassador called upon the community members not to forget their brothers suffering from massive floods in Sindh and Balochistan.

"You should donate generously to help the flood-affected people," he said.

Messages from President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz were read out at the embassy and consulate ceremonies.

President Musharraf urged all Pakistani citizens to get involved in the electoral process and become instruments of enlightened moderation in their country as the first elections in an open media environment are approaching.

"I feel extremely optimistic that together we will overcome the short term challenges to put our country on a sustainable path of progress and prosperity," he added.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said: "Pakistan has made great progress since independence, though I believe the successes would have been greater had we sincerely followed the motto of unity, faith and discipline. We need to look seriously at our failures ... and find solutions for the future."

The Pakistan Association in Dubai held a musical night to celebrate the day. A musical show and reception were held yesterday in Abu Dhabi by the embassy. Pakistan Social Centre in Sharjah will hold celebrations on Thursday evening.

Jubilation and pride about the achievements of the country were feelings shared by the Pakistani community gathered in Abu Dhabi.