Dubai: The Pakistani community discussed issues of national identity on Friday as part of a series of events to mark UAE National Day.
Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE, admired the vision of the UAE’s founding leadership, saying leaders should inspire a strong sense of national identity in their citizens.
His comments came during an event organised by Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) under its ongoing Solidarity Celebrations to mark UAE National Day.
The event also focused on the role of legendary Pakistan poet Allama Mohammad Iqbal in creating a strong sense of national identity.
Durrani said Pakistan has strong brotherly relations with the UAE and Pakistanis are imparting a significant role in the development of the UAE. He added Iqbal had formed the concept of “khudi” or self-awareness, “which gives us a positive lesson to follow”.
Like previous years, the celebration of Iqbal’s contributions was linked with the Solidarity Celebrations, “to express our unison with this great nation [UAE] in light of his philosophy”, the Association said.
The event was also attended by Humaid Al Shamsi from Dubai’s Community Development Authority. Guests of honour included officials from the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai, such as welfare consul Haroon Malek and press consul Abdul Wahid Khan.
After a welcome address by PAD General Secretary Dr Faisal Ikram, the Solidarity Celebrations’ theme logo was officially unveiled and the guests were honoured.
During the proceedings, Nitin Anand, director and chair of the executive council of Skyline University College, presented a cheque of Dh50,000 to PAD Vice-President Zahid Tirmiz to support eight undergraduate students from four different schools.
Dozens of Pakistani schoolchildren also held stage performances. The students were awarded medals and a gift hamper for winning performances. All the participants were awarded a certificate of participation as well.
There were also 65 other participants from seven schools who competed in essay competitions.
