68th Independence Day celebrated at Embassy of Pakistan Abu Dhabi and Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai with national zeal and fervor

Dubai, August 14, 2014 (PPI-OT): The 68th Independence Day of Pakistan was celebrated at the Embassy of Pakistan, Abu Dhabi and Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai with national zeal and fervor. A large number of UAE based Pakistanis from all walks of life attended the ceremonies.

Ceremonies at both the venues began with recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an. Asif Durrani, Ambassador of Pakistan hoisted the national flag at the Embassy of Pakistan, Abu Dhabi. Independence Day messages of President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif were read out. The audience was entertained with a special performance of patriotic songs and anthems by a group of community members.

Another ceremony in UAE was held at 0800 hours in the premises of Pakistan Consulate at Dubai. Javed Jalil Khattak, Consul General hoisted the National Flag while the National Anthem was played. He read the messages of President and Prime Minister to audience.

In his address, Ambassador Durrani recalled the great sacrifices rendered by our forefathers for a separate homeland. Pakistan was both our identity and destiny. He further said that in its 68 years, Pakistani nation had witnessed many challenges and measured up to each one with resilience and resolve. In this context, he also mentioned the success of the ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb as well as remarkable improvements in key economic indicators.

Mentioning the role of Pakistani community in UAE, Ambassador said that their presence in large numbers was a sign of strong friendly relations between Pakistan and UAE. The UAE was a time tested friend that had stood shoulder to shoulder by Pakistan in every moment of trial. He particularly appreciated the UAE leadership’s special affiliation towards Pakistan and said that the leaders of the two countries were keen on strengthening bilateral relations further.

Ambassador Durrani lauded the role of the Pakistani community in strengthening the national economy and improving ties. In this context, he emphasized to the community members to work tirelessly for the progress and development of UAE and continue to abide by local norms under all circumstances. He also appealed to the community to expend efforts in educating future generation and to move forward in life with unity and discipline in their ranks.

Speaking on the occasion, Consul General Javed Jalil Khattak extended his warmest felicitations to the Pakistani community residing in the Emirates. He called for fostering unity for development of the country and inculcating a profound sense of solidarity.

He said the overseas Pakistani should endeavor to emanate the message to the world that Pakistanis believe in peaceful coexistence and want to progress as a forward-looking nation. He commended the Pakistani community for playing a vital role in the progress and development of the UAE.

Mr. Khattak recalled the excellent fraternal relations between Pakistan and the UAE and stated that the two countries have always stood by each other. He expressed his gratitude to the UAE leadership for their consistent support to the people of Pakistan.

He hoped that Pakistan’s relations with the UAE will continue to grow from strength to strength under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai,His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum.

Cake-cutting ceremonies were held at both places to commemorate the Independence Day. Independence Day ceremonies concluded with prayers for progress, prosperity and solidarity of the country.

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