Dubai: Pakistani community members in the UAE today (Monday) celebrated their country’s 75th National Day with a pledge to root out terrorism and bring peace back home.
The highlight of the day was flag-hoisting ceremonies held at the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai. Hundreds of Pakistani residents participated in the events to mark the day with traditional fervour, with schoolchildren singing national songs and waving the national flag.
President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a congratulatory cable to Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain on the occasion of the anniversary of Pakistan Day.
Similar congratulatory messages were also sent to the Pakistani President by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Pakistani Ambassador Asif Durrani hoisted the flag in Abu Dhabi and also read out the National Day messages of the president and the prime minister of Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, the ambassador recalled the great sacrifices made by the founding leaders of the country. “Pakistan is our identity and destiny,” he said.
“The Pakistani nation has witnessed many challenges and stood up to each of them with resilience and resolve.” He also mentioned the success of the ongoing military operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorists in light of the latest terrorist attack on a Peshawar school. He said that the Pakistani leadership is determined to root out terrorism from the country and bring peace.
Highlighting the relations between Pakistan and the UAE, Durrani expressed satisfaction over the existing level of bilateral relations and said that under the present leadership of both countries, the relations would be further strengthened.
In Dubai, Consul General of Pakistan Javed Jalil Khattak raised the flag in the presence of hundreds of community members.
Speaking at the ceremony, Khattak stressed the need to forge unity among Pakistani expatriates living in the UAE. He extended his warmest felicitations to the 1.3 million community members in the UAE. He urged the Pakistani community to work tirelessly for the progress and development of UAE and Pakistan and continue to abide by local norms under all circumstances.
To mark Pakistan Day and in keeping with tradition, Pakistan Association Dubai is also organising the Pakistan Day Awards Ceremony on Friday.
Apart from various entertainment programmes, the association will also honour distinguished Pakistani individuals who played their role in portraying a positive image of Pakistan in the UAE.
