Independence Day: Pakistan envoy urges expats to uphold UAE laws

Dubai witnessed Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations on Friday, with the Pakistani community in the UAE being urged by the Embassy of Pakistan to uphold local laws, contribute to the nation's progress, and continue supporting their homeland through remittances. The embassy hosted a flag-raising ceremony, attended by numerous Pakistani residents and their families.

Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan raised the national flag, accompanied by messages from Pakistan's President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Khan expressed gratitude for the UAE's hospitality towards the over 2.2 million Pakistani expatriates and emphasized the community's responsibility to abide by UAE laws and maintain strong ties with Pakistan.

Addressing the attendees, he highlighted the community's role as a bridge connecting the two nations. The ceremony included patriotic performances by children from a local school and a cake-cutting event led by the Acting Consul General and consular officials. In Dubai, the Pakistani Consulate General organized its own flag-raising ceremony, attended by community members, consular staff, and guests.

Acting Consul General Fawad Ali Khan spoke about Pakistan's struggle for independence under Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and praised the community's contributions to both the UAE and Pakistan, particularly through legal remittances. The event featured an art exhibition showcasing Pakistani artists inspired by Quaid-e-Azam's ideals, aimed at commemorating 2026 as the "Year of Quaid-e-Azam."