A passionate gathering of Pakistani expats, most of them dressed in green and white, converged at the Pakistani Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate in Dubai on Monday to celebrate the country's 70th Independence Day.

Moazzam Ahmad Khan, the Pakistani Ambassador to the UAE, hoisted the national flag during a ceremony at the embassy.

Students from Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Arab Pakistani School sang songs praising Pakistan and how the nation has endeavoured to stay united and peaceful.

In his speech, the ambassador felicitated his compatriots on the auspicious occasion and recalled the great sacrifices rendered by their forefathers 70 years ago for a separate homeland. He also remembered the ideals and aspirations which led to the creation of Pakistan and are still guiding light for the nation's march to peace and progress.

"This day was being celebrated with the conviction that it will be a harbinger of political, economic and social stability. The independence should also be considered as a day of introspection and to ponder over as how we can redirect our energies to the development of Pakistan to be able to stand tall among the comity of nations," said Khan.

"The Pakistani expats are contributing a lot to Pakistan's economy in the form of remittance. The Pakistani community in the UAE has also been a significant part in the growth of the UAE."

The ambassador also applauded the UAE leadership's special affiliation towards Pakistan, saying that the leaders of the two nations were keen on further strengthening bilateral relations.

Zahib Mahmoud, who works for a courier service in the Capital, said he came to attend the Independence Day celebrations because of the great love he has for his nation.

"I love taking part in our Independence Day celebrations," said Mahmoud, 35. "To me, this day means unity and happiness. It means freedom and economic independence."

"This is a great day for me and all Pakistanis," said Hassan N., 37. "Independence Day reminds us of the struggles our grandfathers went through to ensure that Pakistan is a sovereign nation.

Fakhar Siddiq, a 35-year-old facility manager at a private firm in Abu Dhabi, said: "This is a day that we celebrate every year because of its great importance."

"Independence Day portrays unity and freedom of Pakistan as many people sacrificed their lives so we achieve this. It's upon us all to uphold the value of unity because it's our strength."

Project manager at a health services firm, Saadul Islam, 31, said it feels great seeing the Pakistani community in the UAE coming together to celebrate their nation's Independence Day.

"I am so happy about the love and solidarity my countrymen show to our great nation. This is a great thing," said Islam. "We feel good about being a sovereign nation."

A photography exhibition by Pakistani artists Aroosa and Farhad Ally was also arranged, displaying some breathtaking pictures from the northern areas of Pakistan, especially Hunza. Children from Pakistani schools and members of the Christian community sang national songs.

Source: Khaleej Times