VIDEO: Burj Khalifa lights up to mark Pakistan's Independence Day

Jamil Khan/ Tariq Butt, Staff Reporter/ Correspondent

Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest edifice, was emblazoned with the colours of Pakistan on Saturday to celebrate country’s Independence Day on Aug.14.

Burj Khalifa said on social media, “Burj Khalifa commemorates Pakistan’s Independence Day, wishing the republic peace and prosperity…”

Scores of community members from different walks of life and residing in the UAE celebrated Pakistan's 75th Independence Day with national fervour and profound patriotism.

In-person celebrations were restricted to only the officers and staff of the mission along with their families were present on the occasion in Abu Dhabi.

Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, Afzaal Mahmood, raised the country's flag to the tune of the national anthem at an elegant flag-hoisting ceremony held at the premises of the Pakistan embassy in Abu Dhabi.  

Messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.

However, a similar ceremony in a simple manner was also held at the Consulate General in Dubai and headed by Consul General Hassan Afzal Khan.

Burj Khalifa was also illuminated with the colours of the Pakistani flag later in evening to mark the country’s 75th Independence Day.

In Pakistan, nationwide commemorative ceremonies were also held in major cities to mark the country's Independence Day .

Prime Minister Imran Khan's message on Independence Day came in a series of tweets, which said Pakistan today can stand tall among the comity of nations. "Our policies towards reviving the economy, handling the pandemic, and protecting the environment have received universal acclaim.”

The ambassador extended greetings to fellow Pakistanis in the UAE on the occasion of Independence Day.

He recalled the struggle and contribution of the heroes of Pakistan movement and said that on 14th August 1947, the world witnessed a miracle when Pakistan emerged as an independent state on the world map.

Referring to the role of the Pakistani community in the UAE, the ambassador appreciated their contribution to the development of the UAE and for supporting the national economy and improving ties between Pakistan and the UAE.

Cake-cutting ceremonies were also held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to commemorate the Independence Day. The ceremonies concluded with prayers for progress, prosperity and solidarity of the country.

Hassan Afzal Khan, Consul General in Dubai, said that "on this auspicious day we as Pakistan community members should fulfil the pledges of our leader Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Quaid Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to make Pakistan a great nation."

The number of community members were limited to fulfil the coronavirus SOPs.

President Arif Alvi conferred on the day 126 civil awards on Pakistani citizens and foreign nationals for showing excellence and courage in their respective fields.