Pakistani community in UAE celebrates independence day

UAE leaders congratulate Pakistan and its people on 74th anniversary of independence from British colonial rule

Pakistanis celebrate the 74th anniversary of independence from British colonial rule in Peshawar on Friday. EPA

The UAE’s Pakistani community gathered on Friday for colourful celebrations of the country’s independence day.

Residents from across the Emirates usually meet at the embassy and consulate in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to participate in festivities.

The event this year was limited to diplomats, office staff and invited guests due to restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Officials in both emirates raised the flag to mark August 14, the day that marked the end of British colonial rule in 1947 when Pakistan became a sovereign nation.

Speeches of Pakistan President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan were broadcast, followed by a cultural programme at the Pakistan consulate in Dubai that was decorated with green and white balloons.

In Abu Dhabi, students read out patriotic speeches to commemorate the occasion at the embassy.

Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE Ghulam Dastagir thanked the country for its constant support and paid tribute to the Founding Father Sheikh Zayed.

He highlighted the valuable contributions made by Pakistani residents in the Emirates toward the economic development of their home country and described them as an enduring link between the two nations.

Consul General Ahmed Amjad Ali  thanked the UAE government for their assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Leaders in the Emirates too congratulated the country on its 74th Independence Day anniversary.
President Sheikh Khalifa sent a message to President Alvi on the occasion.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces also sent messages to President Alvi and Prime Minister Khan.