Pakistani expatriates celebrate National Day

ABU DHABI — The positive side of Pakistan is often overlooked in favour of negative news, the Pakistani Consul-General says as expatriates from that country celebrate their National Day today.

The Embassy of Pakistan, the consulate and community organisations prepared a variety of programmes to mark National Day.

“Pakistan’s democracy is in transition, recently the term of the government has ended and we look forward to the next elections. Many times, only the negative side of Pakistan is portrayed and events like these showcase the positive and peaceful image of Pakistan,” said Dubai and Northern Emirates Consul-General Tariq Iqbal Soomro.

Pakistani children wave their national flag during the National Day celebrations at the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi. — KT photo by Shoaib Anwer

Soomro made the comments at an event organised by the Pakistan Association of Dubai (PAD) and international foreign affairs magazine ‘Quiet Diplomacy’ at an event held on Thursday.

Magazine editor Mobisher Rabbani said showcasing Pakistan’s culture through diplomatic paths was “the need of the hour”.

“Our distinguished guests left today with a much more positive image of Pakistan, which was the goal of the event.”

Meanwhile, at a separate event held in Abu Dhabi on Friday, Ambassador Jamil Ahmed Khan told community members gathered at his residence an elected government had just reached the conclusion of their five-year term for the first time in the country’s history.

“The Pakistani nation has been confronted with many challenges since independence, but has always risen to the occasion and successfully overcome adversity by demonstrating patriotism, steadfastness, unwavering faith and resilience.”

In his address, Khan said that democracy, in its true spirit, was present in Pakistan and political power would be transferred to the new democratic leadership in a few months. The event was part of a series of programmes arranged by the Pakistani community in different emirates of the UAE to celebrate the National Day. The programme started with recitation of Holy Quran followed by playing of national anthem of Pakistan. Children from Pakistani schools, dressed in beautiful traditional costumes, presented cultural performances, including folk dances and tableau.

The main ceremony will be held on the premises of Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi at 8am today where the ambassador will hoist the flag in the presence of a large gathering of Pakistani community members. The ambassador has given an open invitation to the community members to participate in the ceremony. A similar function will be held at the Consulate General in Dubai.

— nissar@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE