Abu Dhabi: Many Indian and Pakistani expatriates expressed their wish to have joint Independence Day celebrations here as they share a common culture.
Pakistani driver Saeed Maktoum Hussain said common Independence Day celebrations here can be a first step towards reuniting the people.
"Here Indians and Pakistanis work together and cooperate in all fields of life. Why can't we have common celebrations? Religion has never been a barrier in relationships as I have got many Hindu and Sikh friends from India," said Hussain.
Hussain said the cooperation should be not only between India and Pakistan but Bangladesh also.
Cooperation
An Indian, Anil Pakale, who is an active member of a community organisation 'Maharashtra Mandal', echoed the same feeling.
"My Pakistani colleagues are my best friends and religion has never been a barrier in our friendship. If people can be friends, both the countries can work together and can do wonders in economy and industrial sectors, as well as cricket. Common independence day celebrations here can be a first step towards that goal," said Pakale.
Mubashir, a Pakistani petroleum engineer, said if the initiative comes from the political leadership it will be easy to have a joint celebration.
Indian legal consultant, K.V. Prakash, who is also the vice-president of Indian Social and Cultural Centre in Abu Dhabi, said: "The two communities can together conduct at least one cultural evening."
Abu Dhabi Indian Islamic Centre president P. Bava Haji also echoed the same viewpoint.
Zahid Ahad, a Pakistani safety manager, said people from the two countries have to look at the positive sides of the relationship instead of political differences. "I don't understand why two communities hesitate to join together here?" said Zahid.
