AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, March 23, 2013 (PPI-OT): The Pakistan Community in UAE celebrated the National Day of Pakistan with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm. The day heralded with an impressive and dignified flag-hoisting ceremony in the premises of the Embassy of Pakistan, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai, says a press release received here today from Dubai.
Ambassador of Pakistan, Mr. Jamil Ahmad Khan and the Consul General of Pakistan Mr. Tariq Iqbal Soomro, hoisted the Pakistan flag in the presence of a large gathering of Pakistani community members and Embassy and Consulate officials and their families.
The National Day Messages from the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out before the gathering.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Jamil Ahmed Khan said that 23rd March reminds us of the valiant struggle and firm resolve of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Muslims of the subcontinent in search of a separate homeland where they could fashion their lives according to their own beliefs and culture. He added that this day signifies a truly historic milestone in our nation’s quest for Independence.
Ambassador Jamil Ahmed Khan further said that since independence, Pakistani nation has been confronted with many challenges, but has always risen to the occasion and successfully overcome adversity by demonstrating patriotism, steadfastness, unwavering faith and resilience. He urged the members of Pakistani community to play their role with dedication and commitment to make Pakistan a stronger and prosperous country.
He also said that democracy, in its true spirit, is present in Pakistan and it was the first time that the democratic government has completed its 5 years term and political power will be transferred to the new democratic leadership in a few months.
Speaking about Pakistan-UAE relations, Ambassador Jamil Ahmed Khan expressed his delight at the upward trajectory of the bilateral relations and said that the leadership of the two countries had laid a strong foundation of the bilateral relations in 1971 which, ever since, have been growing from strength to strength.
While speaking on the occasion H .E. the Consul General, paid glowing tributes to the father of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and poet philosopher, Allama Iqbal. He said that this day is celebrated to remember the heroic constitutional battle fought by the people under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam and the countless sacrifices rendered in the struggle for an independent country, which emerged on the world map in 1947.
Mr. Soomro said that despite the prevailing global economic downturn and in the face of adverse internal and external challenges, our economy remains resilient. He said that we have a large and talented work force and vast natural resources to be tapped. Our banking and financial institutions are based on solid foundations.
He said that Pakistan’s relations with the UAE, built on profound recognition of mutual benefits and understanding, are rooted in history and bonded together by common social values, traditions and faith. He said that late Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan laid the foundations for dynamic and robust relations between the two countries in the early 70s and that tradition was continued and strengthened by subsequent leaders on both sides and continues to this day.
He said that the leadership of both the countries enjoys each other’s trust and confidence and there is a strong desire on part of both the countries for further expanding political, trade and economic relations . This is the reason that over the years with substantial investment in banking, finance, telecommunication and real estate sectors and service industry, UAE has emerged as the single largest foreign investor in Pakistan and the second biggest trading partner, he added.
He pointed out that with more than 1.2 Million Pakistanis in the UAE and being the second biggest expatriate community in the country, many of whom consider UAE as their second home and for some their first, Pakistanis have contributed significantly towards the development of UAE with large number of doctors, engineers, bankers and finance managers employed in the government sector with an equally big numbers in business, transport and as laborers.
The Consul General called upon the Pakistanis living in UAE to forge unity in their ranks and whole heartedly work for the development of their beloved country.
Children from Pakistani schools and choir of Church of Pakistan, Abu Dhabi, played national songs during the ceremony. Performance of the children on popular national songs, “issparchamkaysaye” and “tezqadam” electrified the national sentiments of the people. At the end of the ceremonies, everyone prayed for prosperity and solidarity of Pakistan.
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Haji Ahmed Malik
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