Pakistan missions in UAE celebrate National Day

Dubai/Abu Dhabi - The ceremony at Abu Dhabi was inaugurated with flag hoisting by Ambassador Asif Durrani and playing of the National Anthem.

The 76^th National Day of Pakistan was celebrated in the UAE on Wednesday with national zeal and fervor at the premises of the Embassy of Pakistan, Abu Dhabi and Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai.
The ceremony at Abu Dhabi was inaugurated with flag hoisting by Ambassador Asif Durrani and playing of the National Anthem.
The ambassador welcomed the community members and mentioned that Pakistanis residing in the UAE were a valuable asset for the country, who have been making tremendous contribution towards Pakistan's economy through their remittances.
On March 23 Pakistanis mark the annual Pakistan Day when the first constitution was passed in Lahore in 1940 when Muslims of the Indian subcontinent demanded a separate homeland.
Acting Consul General Samar Javed hoisted the National Flag at the consulate in Dubai.  He said, "On the economic front, Pakistan has surpassed many milestones under the present leadership. International financial institutions (IMF, World Bank) have posted their confidence in economic policies being pursued by present government. The country's foreign exchange reserves have passed the mark of $ 20 billion. Pakistan Stock Exchange is trading at its highest point."
"Pursuing a vibrant development agenda, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor worth US$ 46 billion is another leading milestone," he added.
The UAE is home to approximately 1.3 million Pakistanis - the second largest expatriate community in the UAE, which is gainfully employed and actively participates in the progress and development of the UAE, their second home.
Keeping the tradition alive, Pakistan Association Dubai has also organised a series of events "Meri Pehchaan Pakistan-Pakistan Day Celebrations" that started from March 21 and will end on the 26th.
These events include, Sports Festival, Health Festival, Arts Exhibition, Masala TV Food Festival and Meena Bazaar and Pakistan Day Awards Ceremony. Famous Masala TV celebrities Chef Gulzar, Zubeda Aapa, host Abeel and famous comedian Hanif Raja will be flying in from Pakistan to attend these ceremonies.
The four-day food festival and Pakistan Bazaar will have various activities including lucky draws, gift hampers, Umrah tickets, free air tickets held daily from 5pm to midnight. An arts exhibition will be held on the sideline of these activities.
The health festival will include free health checks, fitness activities, blood donation and nutrition tips on March 25.
On March 26, the Pakistan Day Awards Ceremony will recognise services of Pakistani individuals successful in their respective professions or for any act reflecting a positive image of Pakistan in the UAE.
"Pakistan Association Dubai will recognise their efforts on this occasion by presenting the Pakistan Day Awards to such people," said Dr Faisel Ikram, General Secretary of the association. Among the 19 who will be awarded at the Pakistan Day event by Pakistan Association include: Khaleej Times, Szabist, Arif Naqvi from Abraaj Capital, Amaar Ashfaq, 12, (youngest blackbelt holder in taekwondo), Munir Ahmed Khalili, writer and teacher as well as Mian Muneer Mahmood from Pakistan Professionals Wing.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

• Pakistan