“On the auspicious occasion of Pakistan Day, I wish to convey to my fellow countrymen in the UAE my heartfelt felicitations. Each year we mark March 23 as the commencement of our journey towards freedom. The democratic struggle for Pakistan culminated, in seven short years and after numerous sacrifices, in the emergence on August 14, 1947 of a state where principles of social justice and equality could prevail.
“To my mind, the demand for Pakistan was not a pursuit of power. At its core, it was about ideals that animated our forefathers’ quest for freedom and remains at the heart of our conception of ourselves as a nation. This day, which is commemorated with fervour and zeal in Pakistan and by Pakistanis the world over, serves to reignite our commitment and compassion for our beloved country and its founding principles. It is an occasion to look back, introspect and think about our prospects.
“The circumstances under which Pakistan came into existence were challenging indeed. We inhabit a part of the world that has been the epicentre of geopolitical flux. Pakistan has seen wars, natural disasters and political and economic upheavals. All through this, we have not only survived, but thrived.
“As Pakistanis we should take heart in the fact that our country today stands at the cusp of many positive developments. We have achieved economic and political stability. Our armed forces are second to none, and with the unwavering support of the people of Pakistan we have turned the corner in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
“The government’s visionary development agenda has given fresh impetus to our drive for prosperity. The world is taking note, with numerous international reports now underscoring that the Pakistani economy is set to take off in a major way. It is poised to grow by 8 per cent in the coming years. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, one of the largest investments by any single country in another country, is not just a series of infrastructure, energy and connectivity projects, it’s the gateway to the future of Pakistan and the region.
“Overseas Pakistanis have been and will remain the co-authors of Pakistan’s success story. By dint of hard work and sacrifice they have not only carved a niche for themselves in foreign lands but also contributed immensely to the uplift of their communities back home and the country.
“The Pakistani community in the UAE, which in terms of sheer numbers is one of the largest of our diasporas, and in terms of diversity, perhaps the most representative of our kaleidoscopic country, has played a vital role in the national life. By sending remittances now to the tune of over $4.2 billion (Dh15.43 billion) a year, they continue to help buttress the national economy. And they have been fantastic ambassadors of Pakistan to a country that all Pakistanis hold dear.
“Finally, let us not forget our debt of gratitude to the UAE, its people and leadership, who have stood in solidarity with Pakistan through good times and bad. With the UAE, we have long-standing and deep-rooted religious, cultural, civilisational and economic links. This is a relationship that is grounded in mutual affection and trust.
“When the natural calamities of 2005 and 2011 struck, the UAE was at the forefront of international partners coming to the aid of Pakistan. Through the UAE Pakistan Assistance Programme, a large number of projects including schools, colleges, hospitals, clinics roads, bridges and water supply schemes are being completed. More to date, the UAE’s consistent support to our national polio eradication programme has helped inoculate millions of Pakistani children against the disease.
“Successive generations of leaders of Pakistan and the UAE have nurtured this partnership and given it a people-centric orientation. Late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of the UAE and its first President, had special love for the people of Pakistan, who continue to revere his memory. Indeed the entire UAE leadership is held in high esteem by Pakistan.
“On March 23 therefore, while honouring the struggle for Pakistan, we must also honour its benefactors. Pakistanis have been part of the UAE’s wonderful success story, just as the UAE has been part of theirs.”
- Moazzam Ahmad Khan, Pakistani Ambassador to the UAE
