Abu Dhabi: Overseas Pakistanis are an important element of power and they are foremost among the authors scripting the success story of their country with their huge contributions, said a top diplomat.
“Pakistan salutes these sons and daughters of the soil working overseas and making difference in their country with hard work,” added Pakistan’s Ambassador Moazzam Ahmad Khan while speaking at the official National Day reception held in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. A large number of prominent community members, diplomats from various countries and officials attended the event organised by the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, was the chief guest and Dr Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, also attended the event. Pakistani expatriates in the UAE will join the celebrations on Friday to mark their country’s 78th National Day.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Khan said that Pakistan has turned the corner in the fight against terrorism and extremism. “Pakistan has been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism for over a decade and a half. We have been sacrificing precious lives and valuable resources.
“Our valiant armed forces with the unflinching support of the people, the political leadership and the state institutions of Pakistan have wiped out the forces of evil from our soil,” he stated.
He noted that free media, independent judiciary and robust democracy continue to underpin Pakistan’s stability and prosperity. “The rapid pace of implementing the $54-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is fast helping transform Pakistan’s geostrategic significance into geo-economic strength,” he added.
He also thanked the UAE government for sending a big contingent of its armed forces to participate in the Pakistan National Day parade in Islamabad. “We feel honoured to have these special guests on our soil and thanked the UAE for showing the special gesture of its commitment to the long-standing friendship and brotherhood with Pakistan,” he said.
“On this very special day, let me also reaffirm that in Pakistan and in all Pakistanis, the people and the government of UAE will always find sincere friends, partners and supporters,” he said.
The ambassador added that Pakistan attaches great importance to the peace, security, stability and continued prosperity of the UAE.
The UAE Embassy also arranged a special exhibition as part of the Year of Zayed, showcasing the rare photos of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
“Shaikh Zayed was a great friend and benefactor of Pakistan. His love and affinity for Pakistanis, his benevolence and kindness are now the stuff of legends. Till this day, he rules our hearts and minds,” he said, adding that “Pakistan is very much a part of his legacy, as he is part of ours”.
“Today, we not only pay tribute to our founding fathers, but also recognise our friends who have always been a source of strength and support for us. I count the UAE among the foremost of Pakistan’s friends and partners. Right from its inception in 1971, the UAE has stood by Pakistan in good times and bad,” he added.
Pakistani community across the UAE have arranged various events to mark their National Day. Some of the biggest events are being held at Pakistan Association Dubai and Pakistan Social Centre in Sharjah.
