Pakistanis mark National Day with patriotic fervour

The Pakistani community residing in the UAE have celebrated the country’s Resolution Day (March 23) with national zeal and attended the official ceremonies held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The Pakistan Embassy in the UAE organised an event which was attended by the Pakistani community members including women and children as well as embassy personnel with families.

The ceremony was opened with the flag hoisting by Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi and playing of the National Anthem.

National Day messages by the President, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out. A group of Pakistani students sang national songs (milli naghmas) with national passion and enthusiasm.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory message to President Asif Ali Zardari of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the occasion of his country’s National Day.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also sent similar messages to Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Tirmizi recalled the long and heroic struggle and sacrifices of the Muslims of the sub-continent, resulting in Pakistan’s independence.

The ambassador emphasised the need for unity, tolerance and harmony in the society to counter formidable economic challenges and making Pakistan a stable and prosperous country.

Emphasising the value of independence and freedom, he reiterated Pakistan’s principled position for the realisation of the right to self-determination of the people of Kashmir and Palestine.

He highlighted the significance of strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and the UAE and underscored the important role played by Pakistanis in the progress and prosperity of the UAE. He mentioned that Pakistanis residing in the UAE have made huge contribution to Pakistan’s economy in overcoming economic challenges and acknowledged their immense contributions.

As a mark of tribute to the founding father of the UAE, the Embassy will officially launch a book on the Life and Works of Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan by Khan Zaman Ak Suroor, a prominent Pakistani living in the UAE for over 55 years.

This is a tribute from the Pakistani community to the Year of Community declared by His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Availing the opportunity, he also called upon the community members to remain a valuable asset of the UAE society and continue to abide by UAE’s laws, rules as well as norms.

Meanwhile, the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai hosted a ceremony to commemorate Pakistan’s National Day.

The event was attended by members of the Pakistani community, media representatives and officials from the consulate.

Hussain Muhammad, Consul General, inaugurated the ceremony by hoisting the national flag.

“Today, we honour the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the countless leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement who courageously faced immense challenges to achieve independence. The creation of Pakistan through a peaceful and democratic struggle remains an unparalleled milestone in human history,” stated the Consul General.