Pakistanis celebrate Independence Day

The Pakistani community celebrated their country's 55th Independence Day with patriotic zeal and enthusiasm yesterday.

The day began with special prayers and hoisting of the national flag at the embassy premises in the capital and the Consulate in Dubai.

The main flag hoisting ceremony was held at the embassy premises at 8am. Ambassador Salim Ullah hoisted the national flag in the presence of a large number of community members and their families, local dignitaries and the embassy staff.

A group of schoolchildren in colourful traditional attire sang the national anthem and patriotic songs.

The ambassador read out the message of the President General Pervez Musharraf for the community members here.

In his message, the president said: "Today, Pakistan is faced with multiple challenges, but by the grace of Allah Almighty, the country is poised to march towards a genuine democratic and progressive Islamic state."

The president in his message also reiterated his government's commitment to hold free and fair elections in October this year.

He also called upon the people of Pakistan to exercise their right to vote with responsibility to elect honest, efficient and dedicated people of integrity "for leading Pakistan into the 21st century in order to realise Pakistan's full potential."

Salim Ullah, addressing the community, said Pakistan and the UAE enjoy extremely close and fraternal relations based on common faith and traditions, deep rooted cultural affinities and geographic proximity.

The ambassador expressed his gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for his deep love and affection for Pakistan and its people.

He said: "I will take this opportunity to extend, once again, profound and sincere greetings from the entire Pakistani community on the 36th anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi Emirate."

The ambassador further applauded the contribution of Pakistani expatriates in the UAE who remitted a record of around $469.49 million during the previous financial year, showing an increase of 147 per cent.

He also thanked the community members for responding positively to the 'Incentive Package' launched on Independence Day last year to discourage community members using the illegal 'hawala' channels to remit money back home.

After the flag hoisting ceremony, a special function was held to announce the names of the lucky winners of the package.

The prizes which were announced included free Umrah tickets, free return air tickets for home journey, free stays in luxury hotels, and fee concessions for children studying in Pakistani schools in the UAE and in Pakistan.

Al Falah Exchange Company is also offering a similar package for Pakistani residents.

The company will host its Remit 'N' Win Grand Draw for a car at its premises on Electra Street today to coincide with the Pakistan Independence Day celebrations. The ambassador of Pakistan will be the chief guest on this occasion.

The community members in the capital will continue the celebrations until August 20, when a special function will be held to mark both the Independence Day of Pakistan and Sheikh Zayed's 36th Accession Anniversary.

The event, coordinated by Dr Talat of Talat Medical Centre and Malik Tauqeer, a local banker, will be held at Novotel Centre Hotel.

The event will begin with special prayers for the UAE and Pakistan, and the leaders of both the countries. The occasion will also include a cake cutting ceremony.