Dubai: Pakistani expatriates across the UAE celebrated their country’s 71st Independence Day as several events were held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other emirates.
Hundreds gathered at the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi and its Consulate General in Dubai on Tuesday morning to witness the flag-hoisting ceremonies that began the daylong celebrations.
The events at both the missions were attended by hundreds of Pakistani expatriates, including families as well as young men and women, displaying great fervour and enthusiasm.
Watch: Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Social Development speaks at Pakistan Association Dubai.
Pakistani Ambassador Moazzem Ahmad Khan led the celebrations in the capital while Consul-General Brigadier (Retd) Syed Javed Hassan kick-started the event in Dubai.
Along with the official flag hoisting, the events also featured schoolchildren singing and performing national songs.
Watch: Pakistan Association Dubai on #PakistanIndependenceDay awards Gulf News' Editor-in-Chief Abdul Hamid Ahmad.
Addressing his countrymen, ambassador Khan lauded the founding principles of Pakistan which he said were based on peace, tolerance and progress, adding that the country would continue to move forward along with these ideals to ensure Pakistan’s future success.
Ambassador Khan added he was confident that Pakistan was on the cusp of political, economic and social stability, as he called on those in attendance to play their roles as positive citizens in the future development of Pakistan.
The ambassador praised the fraternal ties between the UAE and Pakistan, which he said was highlighted by the Pakistani community in the UAE and their contributions. He added that both countries were looking to boost their bilateral relations in the future.
The UAE is home to 1.5 million Pakistanis, making up the second largest expatriate population.
In Dubai, the event began with the reading out of Independence Day messages from the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, followed by an address by Consul-General Hassan.
Addressing a boisterous gathering on Tuesday, Hassan reminded his compatriots of the sacrifices made by the founding fathers to realise the dream of Pakistan.
“We have to remember the sacrifices of our forefathers and make our children and youngsters aware of their contributions that made the idea of Pakistan possible,” Hassan said.
He also urged fellow Pakistanis to continue to strive for a positive change in the country.
Several other community events were also held throughout the day, with the highlight being a reception event at the Pakistan Association Dubai.
The event saw the felicitation of both Pakistani and Emirati nationals for the contributions they have made to their respective countries.
