Dubai (TDI): The Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai hosted a reception to commemorate National Day with traditional spirit. Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, graced the occasion as a special guest.
During the ceremony, the Minister stated that the Government of Pakistan’s initiative, Uraan Pakistan, would transform the country into a $1 trillion economy by year 2035.
The event was attended by several key diplomats, senior officials of government of United Arab Emirates, Emirati nationals and a large number of Pakistani community members residing in Dubai.
Khalid Muhammad Al-Kaabi, a Senior Official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, and Pakistan’s Envoy to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Ahsan Iqbal, shared his thoughts on the historical significance of March 23rd, the day when Pakistan Resolution was passed, leading to the creation of Pakistan under the visionary leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
He also highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s young population, and the reforms which have been made by the current government, that are transforming the country into a regional hub for trade, innovation and investment. He also underscored the strategic location of Pakistan and the untapped resources the country has, which has the potential of transforming Pakistan’s economy.
During the opening ceremony, a cultural performance was staged by school children, wearing traditional Pakistani and Emirati outfits, who performed on the National Anthems of Pakistan and UAE. The performance symbolized the enduring friendship between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
The Consul General, Hussain Muhammad, while addressing the gathering, highlighted the importance of Pakistan Resolution and said that the Resolution is the foundation of a resilient and diverse Pakistani nation. He also invited the international community to explore the vast opportunities that are available in Pakistan’s key sectors including IT, minerals, agriculture, and tourism.
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Furthermore, the Consul General also emphasized on the long-standing, deep-rooted and historic relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, and praised the visionary leadership of UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
He not only expressed gratitude to the current leadership of the UAE for their continued support and friendship but also acknowledged the efforts of more than 1.7 million Pakistani diaspora, residing in the UAE and has become a vibrant bridge connecting the two nations.
A special highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the book “Sheikh Zayed: The Builder of the Nation”, which was recently launched in Abu Dhabi. The book was authored by a senior and long-standing member of the Pakistani community in the UAE, Khan Zaman Saroor, and shed light on the life and achievements of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The participants during the ceremony were shown a short video montage which showcased rare historical photographs of the leadership of Pakistan and the UAE, capturing key moments in the bilateral relationship dating back to the 1960s.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
