ABU DHABI, United Arab Emira: Pakistani residents across the UAE gathered Friday to mark their country’s 79th Independence Day, with flag-raising ceremonies and community celebrations held at diplomatic missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The annual celebrations brought together Pakistani officials, families, young people and community members to commemorate the country’s independence and celebrate their ties to their homeland.
At the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan led the flag-hoisting ceremony in the presence of embassy officials and members of the Pakistani community.
The ceremony included remarks by the ambassador, the national anthem and a cake-cutting ceremony. Community members also joined officials for photographs and other commemorative activities.
Celebrations in Dubai
In Dubai, the Consulate General of Pakistan also hosted an Independence Day gathering attended by community members and consular officials.
Fawad Ahmed Khan, acting consul general of Pakistan in Dubai, led the celebrations, which featured speeches, the national anthem and a cake-cutting ceremony.
Women, children and young people were among those attending the Dubai gathering, adding a strong community and family dimension to the celebrations.
A day of national pride
Pakistan observes its Independence Day on Aug. 14, commemorating the country’s independence from British rule in 1947.
For Pakistanis living in the UAE, the occasion is marked through events organized by diplomatic missions as well as community groups, schools and private organizations.
The UAE is home to a large Pakistani community, with Pakistani nationals contributing across sectors including business, health care, education, construction, hospitality and professional services.
