Pakistan Independence Day: Envoy hails UAE support, community's unity

Abu Dhabi/Dubai - Dastagir is hoping the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission will be held soon and enhance further cooperation.

While faced with unexpected challenges, the Pakistan missions, community members and local authorities came together to successfully manage the pandemic, a top envoy has said.
After winding up a massive repatriation, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE Ghulam Dastagir is all praise for the efforts from all corners. He congratulated the 1.6-million strong expatriate community as close to 90,000 stranded nationals were repatriated on board 300 flights in just four months. Those who failed to cough up money for air tickets were assisted by the missions and community members.
"Some 2,500 poor people were given air tickets. I thank the community members who assisted the missions in arranging free tickets. I am glad that those who were stuck here and wished to leave have managed to reach Pakistan," Dastagir told Khaleej Times after unfurling the national flag to mark the 74th Pakistani Independence Day at the embassy in Abu Dhabi.
With social distancing norms in place, attendance was restricted to the mission staff and community leaders at the embassy and the consulate in Dubai, where Consul-General Ahmed Amjad Ali led the proceedings. It was a subdued celebration and the topic of discussion remained Covid-19 and bilateral cooperation.
"The government efforts have led to containment of the pandemic but the risks still exist. Following social distancing norms, we have limited the participation of community members at this year's celebrations. I thank the leadership and institutions in the UAE for their assistance during the evacuation process and managing the pandemic situation," Dastagir said.

The ambassador said that the people have already started returning to the UAE from Pakistan. "Now, the approval requirement from the Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has been lifted. However, residents who are coming back are advised to register on the ICA website."
Dastagir is hoping the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission will be held soon and enhance further cooperation.
"I appreciate the cooperation extended by the UAE authorities to the government of Pakistan in various projects. I am confident the leadership of both the countries will continue to promote bilateral relations. The Joint Ministerial Commission was scheduled for March. It will now happen after the pandemic. It is an important meeting as a number of business delegations will be here."

In Dubai, Consul-General Ahmed Amjad Ali felicitated the community members and thanked the UAE Government for the support and assistance to the Pakistani community during the Covid-19 pandemic.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com 

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