India, Pakistan expats celebrate Independence Day

Dubai - Pakistan celebrates Independence Day on August 14, while India celebrates the occasion a day later on August 15.

Indian and Pakistani soldiers may not exchange sweets at the Wagah Border this Independence Day on account of the recent ceasefire violations the neighbours have blamed on each other, but that will not come in the way of celebrations here in UAE, where citizens of both nations have been living in perfect harmony for decades.
Pakistan celebrates Independence Day on August 14, while Indian celebrates the occasion a day later on August 15.
Expats of both nations who spoke to Khaleej Times said it's a celebration of two days for them.
"We wish both India and Pakistan a very happy Independence Day," a group of young expats of the two countries said.
Areeba Zaffer, a Pakistani, who is planning to host a small gathering at her home in Ajman, will put the flags of both countries in her house to heighten the celebration.
"This is my first Independence Day here. And for me, celebrating it in UAE makes it very interesting as people from both countries live in harmony here."
According to her, India and Pakistan celebrate their independence days after they got divided, "but here the same day brings us together".
Abu Saad Mohammad, an Indian, said most of his friends are Pakistanis with whom he celebrates the Independence Day.
"We go out for dinner and have fun," said Saad, who has been living in UAE for the last six years. Before coming to UAE his opinion about the Pakistanis was very different. It was largely molded by what he saw in media, he says.
"But here I saw things were different.  For me Pakistanis are brothers," he stated, adding that he works in a company where he is the only Indian amongst all Pakistanis.
"I never felt the same animosity here, and there is no difference."
Expats from both countries feel most issues between the two countries are only political in nature, and on an individual level the people are at peace with each other.
Ashish, an Indian who works in a training company in Dubai, wishes to see the hostility of both countries disappear. As he looks forward to celebrate the Independence Day with his Pakistani friends, he wants the youth of both countries to take initiatives to resolve the conflict between two countries.
Many believed sports and culture can make a big difference in bridging the gap.
"India must come to Pakistan to play cricket. It is a peaceful country," Hammad, a Pakistani expat said. "They should also promote each other's cultures, cinema, music."
 

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