Overseas workers play a large role in Pakistan’s success story

His Excellency Moazzam A. Khan, the Ambassador of Pakistan. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

On the occasion of Pakistan Day, I wish to convey to my fellow countrymen living in the UAE my heartfelt congratulations. Each year we mark March 23 as the commencement of our journey towards freedom. The democratic struggle for Pakistan culminated in the emergence on August 14, 1947 of a state where principles of social justice and equality could prevail.

To my mind, the demand for Pakistan was not for the pursuit for power. At its core, it was about ideals that animated our forefathers’ quest of freedom, and remains at the heart of our conception of ourselves as a nation. This day, which is commemorated with national fervour and zeal in Pakistan and by Pakistanis the world over, serves to reignite our commitment and compassion for our beloved country and for its founding principles. It is an occasion also to look back and give deep thought to our prospects.

In the span of seven decades, we have been through much. The circumstances under which Pakistan came into existence were challenging indeed. We inhabit a part of the world that has been the epicentre of geopolitical flux. Pakistan has seen wars, natural disasters and political and economic upheavals. All through this, we have not only survived, but thrived.

As Pakistanis we should take heart in the fact that our country today stands at the cusp of many positive developments. We have achieved economic and political stability. Our armed forces are second to none, and with the unwavering support of the people of Pakistan we have turned the corner in the fight against terrorism and extremism.

The government’s development agenda has given fresh impetus to our drive for achieving prosperity for our people. The world is taking note, with numerous international reports now underscoring that the Pakistani economy is set to take off in a major way. It is poised to grow by 8 per cent in the coming years. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, in itself one of the largest investment undertaking by any single country in another country, is not just a series of infrastructure, energy and connectivity projects, it is the gateway to the future of Pakistan and the entire region.

Overseas Pakistanis have been, and will remain, the co-authors of Pakistan’s success story. By dint of hard work and sacrifice, they have not only carved a name and niche for themselves in foreign lands, but also contributed to the uplift of their communities and country back home.

The Pakistani community in the UAE, which in terms of sheer numbers is one of the largest of our diasporas, and in terms of diversity, perhaps the most representative of our kaleidoscopic country, has played a vital role in the national life. By sending remittances now to the tune of more than $4.2 billion (Dh15.4bn) a year, they continue to help buttress the national economy. And they have been fantastic ambassadors of Pakistan.

Finally, let us not forget our debt of gratitude to the UAE, its people and leadership, who have stood in solidarity with Pakistan through good times and bad. With the UAE, we have long standing and deep-rooted religious, cultural, civilisational and economic links. This is a relationship that is grounded in mutual affection and mutual trust.

When the natural calamities of 2005 and 2011 struck, the UAE was at the forefront of international partners coming to the aid of Pakistan. Through the UAE Pakistan Assistance Programme, a large number of projects, including schools, colleges, hospitals, clinics roads, bridges and water supply schemes are being completed. More to date, the UAE’s consistent support to our national polio eradication programme has helped inoculate millions of Pakistani children against the disabling disease.

Successive generations of leaders of Pakistan and the UAE have nurtured this partnership and given it a people-centric orientation. Sheikh Zayed, the founding President, had special love for the people of Pakistan, who continue to revere his memory. Indeed the entire leadership is held in high esteem by the people of Pakistan.

On March 23, therefore, while honouring the struggle for Pakistan, we must also honour its benefactors. Pakistanis have been part of the UAE’s wonderful success story, just as the UAE has been part of theirs. Building on this proud legacy, they must continue to strive for the progress, prosperity and stability of the UAE, and give this hospitable land the very best they have to offer.

On this day, we must resolve to continue to march onwards with confidence and faith. Many new vistas, goalposts and horizons await conquest. The work of creating the Pakistan envisioned by its founders has not finished, and circumstances leave us no room for complacency.

Moazzam Ahmad Khan is Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE