UAE: Stand united against Covid, Pakistan leaders' call on N-Day

Dubai - Pakistani nationals living in the UAE urged to remain vigilant against the contagion

Tackling the challenges posed by the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic would require a disciplined and united approach, Pakistani leaders said on the occasion of the country’s National Day.

As celebrations took place at various locations across the UAE, with strict social distancing measures in place, officials in Dubai highlighted the challenges that were overcome successfully but urged residents to remain vigilant against the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Today, we reaffirm our resolve to make Pakistan an economically stronger and prosperous country,” said Pakistani President Arif Alvi, in a statement read out at the Consulate-General of Pakistan in Dubai.

“On this historic day, we want to continue our struggle to make our society humane, inclusive and tolerant to other minorities residing in Pakistan. We also pledge to uphold democratic values, rule of law and the Islamic way of life in our country as envisioned by our founding father,” the statement said.

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“Today, we also salute our heroes, particularly the healthcare workers and other concerned agencies, who played a great role in containing Covid-19 and providing healthcare to the people in the hour of need. We laud our health professionals for their untiring efforts, who selflessly served the nation during the crisis.”

He also urged all Pakistanis to follow the standard operating procedures concerning Covid-19 so as to overcome the third wave of the pandemic.

“I’m sure that with unity, faith, and discipline, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way.”

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan also issued a statement calling for a strong stance in combatting the spread of Covid-19.

“Today, we salute our founding father and all leaders that struggled for the freedom of our nation. Their efforts resulted in a new nation being born on the map of the world on August 14, 1947. In celebrating this day, we must remember the message penned by our founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the principles of unity, faith and discipline. In the past, we have overcome several difficult challenges, and now we must take a strong stance against the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic that has gripped the entire world. By the grace of Allah, we will succeed in this mission as well,” the prime minister’s statement said.

Ahmed Amjad Ali, Consul-General of Pakistan, performed the flag-hoisting ceremony at the consulate and looked back on how the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the region and resulted in thousands of people, including Pakistanis, getting stranded at airports around the world.

“A year has passed since that time, and I remember how, at around this time last year, we had to come to the aid of the first batch of Pakistanis that were stuck at the airport,” he said.

“Looking back now at how the whole world seemed to come at a standstill, I urge each and every one of you to take care of yourself and each other. Follow all the protocols that are in place to halt the spread of the virus, and please look into getting vaccinated if you have not done so already,” he added.

Ahmed Shaikhani, president of the Pakistan Business Council – Dubai Chapter, talked about the symbiotic relationship between the UAE and Pakistan in fostering better business ties. He noted that the UAE is one of Pakistan’s major economic and trading partners and that the latter has always given paramount importance to the former.

He wished the Pakistani community on the occasion of National Day and said: “Dubai is our second home. As we celebrate Resolution Day, we've to take care of this nation as we take care of our own country,” he added.

rohma@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai