Pakistan Day Celebrated in UAE
Report: Umer Farooq
The 83rd Pakistan Day was celebrated in the UAE today with a Flag Hoisting Ceremony at the premises of the Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai. Mr. Hassan Afzal Khan, Consul General of Pakistan to Dubai and Northern Emirates hoisted the National Flag whilst the National Anthem was played. The messages of President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.
The Consul General extended warmest felicitations to the Pakistani community residing in the Emirates. Recalling the significance of the day, the Consul General said that it was on 23rd March 1940 when the Muslims of the sub-continent under visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah adopted the ‘Pakistan Resolution’ at Lahore and commenced their journey towards freedom and nationhood. Through their unwavering resolve, Muslims of the subcontinent carved a separate homeland ‘Pakistan’ wherein they could lead their lives in peace and harmony. To achieve this freedom, our forefathers rendered enormous sacrifices. Today we pay tribute to our forefathers for their struggles and sacrifices in creation of our beautiful homeland, he added.
Commending the role and contribution of overseas Pakistanis in prosperity and progress of Pakistan, Consul General said that the expatriate community is not only sending precious remittances back home, but are also contributing immensely to the development of their host country. The presence of 1.6 million Pakistanis living in the UAE is a manifestation of the people oriented relationship between the two countries. He urged the Pakistani community in the UAE to continue to work with the same commitment and hard work.
The Consul General recalled the excellent fraternal relations between Pakistan and the UAE and hoped that Pakistan’s relations with the UAE will continue to grow under the visionary leadership of both countries.
A photographic exhibition showcasing rare photographs of Pakistan movement was also arranged on the sidelines of the event. The ceremony was concluded with prayers for progress and prosperity of the country.
Earlier on 20th March 2023, the Consulate General of Pakistan hosted a National Day Reception for diplomats, government offices and Pakistani diaspora. The highlights of the event were the performance of Dubai police band to the beats of Pakistan and UAE National Anthems and national songs of Pakistan along with delicious Pakistani cuisine.