Students sing patriotic songs at the Pakistan embassy in Abu Dhabi as part of celebrations. - Photo By Ryan Lim
Abu Dhabi/Dubai - A day to reinforce social justice and equality.
By Asma Ali Zain, Haseeb Haider
Published: Thu 24 Mar 2016, 10:33 PM
The 76th Pakistan Day was celebrated in the UAE on Wednesday on the premises of the Embassy of Pakistan, Abu Dhabi, and Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai.
March 23 marks the day when the Pakistan resolution was passed in Lahore in 1940. The ceremony in Abu Dhabi began with the Ambassador, Asif Durrani, hoisting Pakistan's national flag. The ambassador welcomed the community members.
"Pakistanis residing in the UAE are a valuable asset for the country making tremendous contribution towards Pakistan's economy through their remittances," he said.
Students from Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Arab Pakistani School, Abu Dhabi, rendered the national anthem and other popular patriotic songs. Shedding light on the UAE-Pakistan bilateral relations, Durrani said he was happy with the growing relations between both countries that encompass all spheres of life. All credit goes to the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founding father of the UAE for laying solid foundations of the UAE-Pakistan relations, which are strength-ening every passing day.
UAE leaders send greetings to Pak President
The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has sent a cable of greetings to President Mamnoon Hussain of Pakistan, on the occasion of the anniversary of Pakistan Day. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,; and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also dispatched similar cables to the Pakistani president on the occasion. - Wam
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The messages of Pakistan's president and prime minister were read out during the celebration. Pakistan's president Mamnoon Hussain said it's a day to renew "our commitment to develop the country in accordance with the principles of justice and equality, the real objective of the creation of Pakistan. "Prime minister Mohammed Nawaz Sharif's in his message said: "The struggle was for a state where the principles of social justice and equality could prevail to ensure peace, tolerance and prosperity in accordance with the religious be-liefs and cultural values of its citi-zens. And today we stand determined to preserve and protect this country for our future generations," he added.
"On this occasion we reiterate our resolve to ensure freedom, equality and social justice for every citizen of Pakistan as enshrined in the teachings of Islam."
In Dubai, acting consul-general Samar Javed hoisted the national flag at the consulate.
"On the economic front, Pakistan has surpassed many milestones under the present leadership," said Javed.
International financial institutions (IMF, World Bank) have posted their confidence in economic policies being pursued by the present government. Pursuing a vibrant development agenda, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor worth $46 billion is another leading mile-stone," he added.
The UAE is home to approximately 1.3 million Pakistanis - the second largest expatriate community in the UAE, which actively participates in the progress and development of the UAE.
Keeping the tradition alive, the Pakistan Association Dubai organised a series of events "Meri Pehchaan Pakistan-Pakistan Day Celebrations" that started from March 21 and which will go on till March 26.
These events include a sports festival, health festival, arts exhibition, Masala TV food festival and Pakistan Bazaar and Pakistan Day Awards Ceremony. Famous Masala TV celebrities Chef Gulzar, Zubeda Aapa, host Abeel and 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, and gift hampers, Umrah tickets and free air tickets will be on offer. The festival will be held daily from 5pm.
An arts exhibition will also 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 the services of Pakistani individuals successful in their respective professions or for any act reflecting a positive image of Pakistan in the UAE.
"The Pakistan Association, Dubai, will recognise their efforts by presenting the awards," said Dr Faisel Ikram, general-secretary of the association.
haseeb@khaleejtimes.com , asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com
Samar Javed hoisting Pakistan’s national flag at the consulate in Dubai on the occasion of the 76th PakistanDay celebrations on Wednesday. — Photo by Neeraj Murali
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