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It reiterated that pilgrims require a Haj visa and it can be obtained through recognised official channels
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Pakistan Independence Day celebrated across the UAE
ABU DHABI — The 60th Independence Day of Pakistan was yesterday celebrated across the UAE with more than 750,000 Pakistanis taking part in the festivities.
The day began with flag-hoisting ceremonies at the embassy here and at the consulate-general in Dubai.
In the evening, concerts, seminars and get-togethers were organised by various Pakistani associations.
In the capital, over 450 people from all walks of life assembled at the Pakistan Embassy for the flag-hoisting ceremony. Shaikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, member, Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), was the chief guest. Pakistan's ambassador to the UAE Ahsan Ullah Khan hoisted the national flag and sang the national anthem along with his fellow countrymen present during the ceremony.
In his speech, the ambassador said the country's founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, envisioned Pakistan as a strong, progressive and moderate Islamic state. "Today, the country has a prestigious position in the comity of nations and under the visionary leadership of President General Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan has had major successes in the economic, political and defence fields," he said.
The ambassador said President Musharraf was determined to build a strong and vibrant Pakistan, boost its economy, attract foreign investment and turn Pakistan into a modern and enlightened Islamic state.
He further said that the President's policies have greatly helped Pakistan to enhance its international profile as a progressive and reformist country.
He added that Pakistan's bilateral relations with the UAE have strengthened in all areas, and in the coming years, political and economic relations will touch new highs.
Khan said Pakistanis will always remember with gratitude the late President Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan whose love for Pakistan laid the solid foundations of the unique and steadfast relations that exist between the two nations.
Like his illustrious father, he said, the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is equally keen to further strengthen the ties between the countries. "We are confident that the relations between our two brotherly countries will continue to grow from strength to greater strength," he said.
The messages from President Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz were also read to the people gathered for the ceremony. President Musharraf said that Pakistan is now beginning to realise its true potential in the economic field as a result of the far-sighted policies and reforms. "God willing the day is not far off when the common man will fully benefit from the fruit of economic stability and development in the country and be able to lead a happy and prosperous life," he said in his speech. Prime Minister Aziz, in a separate message, paid tributes to those who laid down their lives for the creation of Pakistan. He said that their sacrifices should spur the nation to greater efforts to build Pakistan as an impregnable fortress of strength, unity, brotherhood, tolerance and democracy so that their immeasurable sacrifices do not go in vain.
Shaikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan cut the cake to celebrate the auspicious occasion.
A group of school children presented national songs.
In Dubai, the national flag was hoisted at the Pakistan consulate by Consul-General Abdul Hameed.
He read the messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan to the huge gathering at the consulate. Chaudhry Abdul Hameed of Ravi Restaurant, Dubai, presented a Pakistani style breakfast as well as a huge cake congratulating Pakistanis on their 60th Independence Day.
Asma Tahir, a sixth class student of Pakistan School in Sharjah, collapsed during the proceedings apparently due to the heat, while the Consul General was reading the messages.
The girl was rushed inside the air-conditioned building by her parents. She later recovered. Her mother said that she and her husband had bought their three childen to the consulate for the first time to witness the celebrations. In the evening, cultural programmes and community gatherings were organised by the Pakistan Association Dubai, Pakistan Social Centre Sharjah, Car Dealers Association Ducamz and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz Group).
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