Abu Dhabi/Dubai: Proud groups of the 1.5 million Pakistanis living across the UAE celebrated their 70th Independence Day on Monday hopeful of becoming an economic force on the global stage while crushing terrorism at home.
The Pakistani diplomatic missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai welcomed all revellers to festivities marking decades of national unity.
Attired in colourful national dress, hundreds held flags and chanted slogans of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ (long live Pakistan).
The community appeared delighted but showed concerns for safety and security of their loved ones back home and said that government and people of Pakistan have to work hand in hand to make the country free from all kinds of challenges.
Pakistan Ambassador to the UAE, Moazzam Ahmad Khan hoisted the national flag at the embassy followed by national anthem and patriotic songs sung by pupils of Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Arab Pakistan School in Abu Dhabi.
Addressing the Independence Day functions, the ambassador said: “It is a time to not only celebrate freedom and its accomplishments, but also remember the sacrifices that have been rendered, introspect what freedom means to us as a nation, and consider what we hope to achieve going forward. To me, the 70th independence anniversary means coming of age, means maturity, stability and continuity.”
Khan noted: “The multifaceted reforms undertaken by the government have focused on reduction in interest rates, elimination of tax exemptions, strengthening tax administration, rationalising energy subsidies, and widening the social safety nets while enhancing budgetary lay outs for health and education.”
In Dubai, Pakistan Consul General Syed Javed Hassan said Pakistani expats should convey a message to the world that Pakistanis believe in peaceful coexistence.
Hassan also expressed his gratitude to UAE leaders for their consistent support to the people of Pakistan.
Amid the celebrations, Pakistani expats talked about their hopes and concerns for their homeland, with a number of them pointing to a new era of economic development and stability. Many Pakistanis, as well as the Pakistani government, have pinned their aspirations on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) — a multibillion-dollar series of infrastructure, energy and trade projects.
Speaking to Gulf News, Pakistani expatriates shared their thoughts about their hopes and wishes for their motherland.
“We may live far from our homeland but we always keep Pakistan close to our hearts and minds. Terrorism is dying and we are hopeful of the return of enlightened days where our children are free of this scourge, thanks to our armed forces. Also, projects like CPEC are part of a dream that is coming true as we speak. This will make Pakistan among the most successful nations, raising it to a level most countries can only dream of,” said Mohammed Owais-ud-Din, 45, who works in logistics for a multinational company in the UAE.
Iqra Dilshad, 14, student at Pakistan Education Academy in Dubai, said: “I wish to change my country for the better. I want to study hard and grow up quickly so I can become a leader in my community, maybe even the president of Pakistan. Education and leadership is important when you want to pull people out of poverty.”
Shabbir Merchant, Managing Director of Champion Group, said that “undoubtedly, Pakistan has great economic prospects despite the current political situation. This year’s budget showed a 5.3 per cent growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is the highest rate in over a decade. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also praised the Pakistan government for strengthening macroeconomic resilience in its report last month. And I believe CPEC has the potential to transform Pakistan and make it an Asian tiger.”
Ishtiaq Malik, 66, retired customs officer, said UAE has become his home. “I came here in 1977 and have 70 relatives here. We feel at home here and work towards UAE’s success just like we do for Pakistan.”
Mohammed Yasir, manager of a car repair workshop in Abu Dhabi, said everyone wants a strong social support network back home.
“It’s a painful reality whatever happens back home time and time again. We stand strong to fight any challenges and we will continue to do that. We need to change ourselves if we want to achieve peace and security for all in Pakistan. Then we would achieve a true freedom where everybody gets good health care, education and freedom from poverty.”
Farhan Khalid, 22, said: “In the evening, all my friends will get together and enjoy the day with traditional cuisines and patriotic songs. We don’t miss anything here. People need to understand their responsibility and contribute to the nation building whichever way they can.”