Photo by Ryan Lim/Kahleej Times
Abu Dhabi/Dubai - Celebrations began with the flag hoisting ceremony performed at Pakistan Embassy
By Haseeb Haider
Published: Sun 14 Aug 2016, 8:18 AM
Last updated: Mon 15 Aug 2016, 1:25 AM
The celebration of the 70th Independence Day of Pakistan was kept simple in the UAE, as a mark of respect for victims of the Quetta terror attack. A special prayer was offered for the victims.
Even national songs were not performed at the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, where members of the Pakistani community turned up in large numbers.
While felicitating community members in Abu Dhabi, Dr Faisal Aziz, Charge d' Affaires, recalled the great sacrifices made by the nation's forefathers 70 years ago for a separate homeland.
The charge d' affaires said the day was being celebrated with the conviction that "it will be a harbinger of political, economic and social stability".
The day should also be considered as a day of self-accountability. All individuals must redirect their energies to the development of Pakistan to be able to stand tall among the comity of nations, he said.
Dr Aziz expressed appreciation for the role played by the Pakistani community in the development of the UAE.
He lauded the UAE leadership's special affiliation towards Pakistan and said the leaders of the two countries were keen on strengthening bilateral relations further.
Dr Aziz also highlighted some of the recent initiatives introduced by the government for overseas Pakistanis. He referred to the public open day held every week, where embassy officials have face-to-face meetings with the community members to resolve their problems.
In a ceremony later, he honoured outstanding members of the community. Abu Dhabi resident Fatima Al Rayssi received an appreciation certificate for her exceptional academic achievements. Two taxi drivers, Mobin Ul Haq and Rahimullah, were honoured for their honesty and integrity.
In Dubai, a number of community members turned up early in the morning to participate in the flag hoisting ceremonies.
Acting consul-general Samar Javed hoisted the National Flag, while the National Anthem was played. He read out messages from the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Javed paid tribute to the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and recounted the sacrifices of the people during the freedom struggle as well as in the war against terror.
He recalled the excellent fraternal relations between Pakistan and the UAE and said the two countries have always stood by each other through thick and thin.
A cake-cutting ceremony was also held to commemorate the day.
Fatima's story can inspire many
Abu Dhabi resident, Fatima Al Rayssi - who beat all odds to score the highest GPA in her BBA degree - has become a social media sensation after Khaleej Times ran her story on Saturday.
She was awarded a 'Certificate of Appreciation' by Charge d' Affaires Dr Faisal Aziz at the Pakistan Embassy on Sunday.
In 36 hours after her story was posted on KT's Facebook page, over 237,000 surfers viewed it.
"My phone is ringing constantly since the story came out," she said. "All my school and college mates have been calling me."
She thanked KT for sharing her story with its readers.
Fatima, 23, is the daughter of a bus driver with the Emirates Transport Company in Bida Zayed - a town 227km away from the Capital - in the Western region.
Her determination and commitment helped her top her exams. In May this year, she scored a GPA of 3.99 out of 4 in her BBA honours degree from Abu Dhabi's Emirates College of Technology.
During the honouring ceremony, Dr Aziz said her story can inspire many.
haseeb@khaleejtimes.com
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Photo by Ryan Lim/Kahleej Times
Photo by Ryan Lim/Kahleej Times
Photo by Ryan Lim/Kahleej Times
Photo by Ryan Lim/Kahleej Times
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