Pakistanis in UAE mark Independence Day

Abu Dhabi: The large Pakistani community in the UAE celebrated their country's 61st Independence Day on Thursday.

People gathered early morning at the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai in Bur Dubai for the flag hoisting ceremonies to mark the Independence Day. Dr Saeed Mahmand, Consul General hoisted the flag at the consulate in Bur Dubai.

Around 700,000 Pakistani expatriates live in the UAE.

Messages from Pakistan President Perves Musharraf and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani were read at the missions.

“Sixty one years ago, the birth of Pakistan epitomised the successful culmination of a long and arduous struggle against the seemingly insurmountable odds by the Muslims of the sub-continent,'' Musharraf said.