Saturday, Mar 23, 2013
Dubai: The Pakistan Community in UAE yesterday (Saturday) celebrated the 73rd National Day of Pakistan with patriotic fervor and enthusiasm.
The day began with flag-hoisting ceremonies both at the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi and its consulate in Dubai.
A number of events were organised by the community all over the UAE.
The Pakistan Association in Dubai has organised a number of events over four days.
Ambassador of Pakistan Jamil Ahmad Khan and Consul General of Pakistan Tariq Iqbal Soomro, hoisted the Pakistan flag in the presence of a large gathering of community members.
The National Day messages from the president and prime minister of Pakistan were also read out before the gathering.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Khan said that March 23 reminds us of the valiant struggle for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the then Indian sub-continent.
The day is celebrated to mark March 23, 1940 when the Pakistan Resolution was passed at a public gathering in Lahore.
“Since independence, in 1947, the Pakistani nation has been confronted with many challenges, but has always risen to the occasion and successfully overcome adversity by demonstrating patriotism, steadfastness, unwavering faith and resilience,” Khan said.
He urged the community members to play their role with dedication and commitment to make Pakistan a stronger and prosperous country.
He also said that democracy, in its true spirit, is present in Pakistan and it was the first time that an elected democratic government had completed its five- year term and political power will be transferred to the new democratic leadership in a few months.
Consul General Soomro paid tribute to the father of the nation, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and said that despite the prevailing global economic downturn and in the face of adverse internal and external challenges, Pakistan’s economy remains resilient.
“We have a large and talented work force and vast natural resources to be tapped. Our banking and financial institutions are based on solid foundations,” he added.
He pointed out that more than 1.2 million Pakistanis in the UAE consider the emirates as their second home.
“Pakistanis have contributed significantly towards the development of UAE with a large number of doctors, engineers, bankers and finance managers employed in the government sector with an equally big number in business, transport and as labourers,” he said.
The consul general called upon Pakistanis living in the UAE to forge unity in their ranks and wholeheartedly work for the development of their beloved country.
Students from Pakistani schools and Church of Pakistan choir, Abu Dhabi played national songs during the ceremony.
Staff Report
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