Expats in UAE celebrate Pakistan National Day

Dubai - Around 1.4 million Pakistani live the UAE

Pakistani expatriates gathered in large numbers at diplomatic missions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to mark the 77^th Pakistan Day that pays tribute to father of the nation Mohammad Ali Jinnah and those who sacrificed their lives for a separate homeland for Muslims.  
Pakistan Ambassador to UAE Moazzam Ahmed Khan hoisted the flag at the embassy early on Thursday morning in the presence of large number of community members.
Present were school children who sang national songs. National Day messages of president and the prime minister of Pakistan were read out.
On the occasion, Khan recalled the struggle of Muslims of subcontinent for a separate state and also paid tribute to the sacrifices made for the independence of Muslims of the subcontinent.
In Dubai, Brigadier (retired) Jawed Hassan hoisted the flag in the presence of a large number of community members from Dubai and Northern Emirates.
He said Pakistanis residing in the UAE were a valuable asset for the country and have been making a tremendous contribution to Pakistan's economy through their remittances.
The community has planned week-long celebrations to mark the day with main celebrations being carried out at the embassy and consulate.
Around 1.4 million Pakistani live the UAE.
On the occasion of Pakistan Day, prominent Pakistanis lauded the growth of the country. Mahmood Shaikhni, Managing Director of Shaikhani Group said, "The people of Pakistan have a very good number of reasons to celebrate Pakistan Day this year."
"This comes at the backdrop of continuous economic growth and socio-economic progress across all sectors. Pakistan was recently upgraded from a frontier economy to an emerging market in the MSCI index. This is an important signal given a changing global landscape, especially for emerging and developing economies."
"Every year, more than two million young people enter the job market in this country. This could be a tremendous opportunity for growth," he said.
"Over the past few years, economic dynamism in the world economy has gradually been shifting-from advanced economies to emerging markets," he added.
The Pakistani Association in Dubai will hold a grand ceremony on Saturday, March 25 to mark the Pakistan National Day. A library will be opened at the association and some plans for the UAE's Year of Giving will also be announced.
Pakistan Social Centre Sharjah is also organizing cultural and entertainment programmes today (Thursday) to mark the National Day.
What is Pakistan National Day?
Every year Pakistan Day is celebrated on March 23 throughout the country to commemorate the adoption of the Pakistan Resolution by the All India Muslim League on March 23, 1940 at Lahore's Minto Park which demanded a separate homeland for Muslims in South Asia.
The Pakistan Resolution which was originally known as Lahore Resolution--passed on March 23, 1940, holds an immense historic importance in the history of Pakistan movement.
The Founder of Pakistan Mohammad Ali Jinnah presiding the session where the resolution was presented. The resolution mainly stated that a Muslim state be made comprising of the areas where Muslim populace exists in majority.
A landmark named 'Minar-e-Pakistan (Minaret of Pakistan) was also built at Iqbal Park --the venue of the conference in Lahore -- to commemorate the Lahore Resolution.
 asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

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