Envoy hails expats’ role in Pak’s development on I-Day

On the occasion of Independence Day, Pakistan ambassador to the UAE Ghulam Dastgir felicitated the expatriates residing in the UAE.

“I wish to convey heartiest felicitations to my fellow citizens in the UAE. Aug.14 marks a special milestone in our nation’s history. Today, seventy-two years ago, the world witnessed the unfolding of a miracle, when against all odds, the Muslims of the sub-continent under the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, gained independence. The struggle for Pakistan was essentially political, democratic and constitutional, and therefore peaceful. Our journey since has been a quest for seeking social justice and equality for our people.

“The demand for Pakistan was not for the attainment of territory or a piece of land. At its core, it was about certain deeply held ideals of social justice, equality, self-determination and most importantly religious freedom. These ideals continue to animate our dreams and actions till this day. Since independence, the Pakistani nation has been confronted with many challenges at different fronts, but we have always risen to the occasion and successfully overcome adversity by demonstrating patriotism, steadfastness, unwavering faith and resilience. Pakistan has not only survived but thrived.

“The story of Pakistan’s success would remain incomplete if we did not mention and recognise the role Overseas Pakistanis have played. Overseas Pakistanis are playing the vital role in the development of Pakistan. Their contribution to Pakistan is much more than these remittances. They have not only been fantastic ambassadors of Pakistan by dint of their hard work in host communities but also contributed immensely to the uplift of their communities back home and the country.

“The presence of a 1.6-million strong and law-abiding Pakistani community acts as a bridge between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. Through their exemplary hard work, our community has made an invaluable contribution to the development of the UAE. I urge the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE to continue to work with zeal and uphold the dignity of our great nation.

“On this occasion, 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 longstanding and deep-rooted religious, cultural, civilisational and economic links. It is heartening to see that the momentum initiated by late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan has been sustained under the current leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

“Pakistan was honoured to receive Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed in Islamabad, earlier this year. Consequent to these high level interactions followed by several follow-up visits at various levels, these special relations have been transformed into strategic partnership, encompassing all areas of mutual interests. We are confident that this mutually beneficial relationship will further expand and diversify in the years ahead.

“The UAE is celebrating 2019 as the “Year of Tolerance.” In the general environment of violence and bigotries, we have the United Arab Emirates standing tall as a model of tolerance and coexistence. It has rightly emerged as a global capital of tolerance that clearly stands for love and peace around the world. Tolerance is deeply rooted in the psyche of the people of the UAE and is fundamental to the vision of its leadership.

“Tolerance is the very foundation upon which we are trying to build our society in Pakistan as well. Our leadership has made it very clear that the State of Pakistan would not tolerate extremism or terrorism in any form or manifestation.

“While happily hoisting the national flag today, we need to take a moment of silent and serious introspection. We are a nation of great resolve, resources and resilience. We must continue to tap into these strengths. Temporary setbacks and road bumps should not distract us from our higher objectives. We must remain firm in our convictions, and steadfast in our pursuit of development, peace and prosperity. The future holds great promise for us.”