Community celebrates Pakistan Day in UAE

Abu Dhabi - Students from Pakistani schools sang national songs and performed cultural dances during the celebrations.

The 79^th Pakistan Day was celebrated with patriotic zeal and community spirit by the community members in Abu Dhabi.
A special ceremony was held on Saturday (March 23) morning at the premises of the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi which drew a large number of community members including women and children.
The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the UAE, Mr Moazzam Ahmad Khan hoisted the national flag which was followed by the playing of the national anthem. Messages from the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan were also read out. Students from Pakistani schools sang national songs and performed cultural dances.
The ambassador congratulated the Pakistani community living in the UAE and recalled the challenges confronted by Pakistan since its inception and how the country faced challenges through national resolve, resilience and commitment by the Pakistani nation.
On this very day, the Muslims of the subcontinent resolved to achieve a separate homeland in order to lead their lives with dignity, honor and freedom, said ambassador Khan.
The ambassador thanked the friends of Pakistan, the UAE in particular who always stood by it in difficult times and contributed towards its development. He said that the successive meetings between the leadership of two countries in the recent months have yielded in transforming these bilateral relations into strategic partnership.
Many Pakistani nationals who had gathered at the embassy said the day is "close to their heart and makes them proud as Pakistanis."
Mohammed Qasim, an engineer who has been living in Abu Dhabi since last ten years said he wanted his children to know their country better.
'Especially as expatriates, I think this day is important to nurture patriotism. I am here with my kids so that they understand their roots and appreciate where they come from."
Suhail Suri, another Pakistani expat who works for the public sector said such community gathering brings people closer. "Today marks an important day as it was the fulfillment of a dream of forming a new nation. We feel proud of what we are today."
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Abu Dhabi
• Pakistan