Dubai - Dh12m is the estimated cost of building Pakistan Centre in Dubai
Published: Sun 27 Nov 2016, 11:27 PM
Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) hosted over 500 people on Friday evening at an event titled "Aik Shaam Pakistan Kay Naam" (An evening for Pakistan) with legendary Urdu poet Anwar Maqsood. Community members came together to contribute by 'owning a brick' for the proposed Pakistan Centre.
The centre is planned as a two-storey building, with state-of-the-art healthcare facilities for the needy. The project was inaugurated on Pakistan's Independence Day this year. The 'Own a Brick' campaign encourages people to possess a share of its 12,000 bricks, helping build the world's largest community centre for overseas Pakistanis within a period of 18 months.
Dr Faisel Ikram, general secretary of PAD, asserted that among 1.4 million Pakistanis living in the UAE, at least 12,000 will come forward and engrave their names on the bricks for the Dh12 million project. "This is a historical project. It's a first ever not-for-profit healthcare facility to be built by expatriates, in the whole of GCC," said Ikram.
Maqsood, who was the guest of honour at the glittering evening, said that Pakistanis who live abroad always have the greatest love for their country. "It's such a proud feeling to see Pakistanis build a centre for themselves, brick by brick. This building will give you a sense of ownership and future generations will take pride in claiming their parents were part of a great cause," said Maqsood.
The recipient of the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Crescent of Excellence) for his tireless contributions to art and literature, the octogenarian artist is famous for his acclaimed plays Fifty-Fifty and Show Time, among several others.
Moazzam Ahmed Khan, Pakistan's ambassador to the UAE, said that he is happy to be a part of this noble cause. "This is my first visit to PAD and I am overwhelmed to see the Pakistani community so vibrant and united." Members who will own a brick will also be entitled to a long-term membership at PAD. Some bricks will also be given away to low income groups who wish to add their share.
"The work on the centre will begin early next year and within a span of 18 months, Pakistan Centre will stand tall providing remarkable services to Pakistanis," said Dr Zia ul Hassan, president of PAD.
- reporters@khaleejtimes.com
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