Pakistani expatriates in the UAE are celebrating its 71st Independence Day today with a commitment to plant trees and make the country greener.
On the occasion, messages from the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan will be read to the citizens.
The ambassador and consul-general in the UAE will also deliver speeches to the community members who gather to show their love and commitment to their motherland.
The speeches will remind Pakistanis in the UAE that the independence should be considered as a day of self-accountability.
All individuals are also reminded to re-direct their energies to the development of Pakistan to be able to stand tall among the comity of nations.
In the UAE, the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi and the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai will hold usual celebrations and flag hoisting ceremonies that will be attended by a large number of community members.
This year, the ceremony will be held in air-conditioned tents for the ease of the participants. School children, dressed in green and white, will sing patriotic songs while waving the flag.
The Pakistan Association Dubai, in collaboration with Pakistan Embassy, is also hosting a grand event today evening with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, as the chief guest.
Sheikh Nahyan will launch the Junior Brick for Pakistan Medical Centre, a first ever not-for-profit health care facility to be built by any expatriate community in the GCC.
"I celebrate the Independence Day with great zeal along with my compatriots annually. This year, the Independence Day is special as Pakistanis have voted for a change in the country to build a new Pakistan. I will be joining hands with other fellow Pakistanis along with my family at the Pakistan Association Dubai, singing the national anthem and enjoying other festivities."
Ather Farooq, Dubai resident
"Although I miss Pakistan Independence Day celebrations back home, where we would have parades and decorations all around the city, we intend to do something similar at home with my family. I have got special green and white dresses for myself, my sister and my two nieces from Pakistan. I have also got green and white bangles for us to go with our patriotic dresses."
Sahar Aqeel, student
"I make it a point that I get independence from household work on this day! Besides dressing up in the colours of the Pakistani flag, my family and some of our extended family members, go out on a long drive. My kids also dress up in green and white and decorate our house and car with the Pakistani flag."
Uzma Jamil, housewife
"I have planned fun activities with my family and friends. I don't think we will be sleeping tonight as we intend to go out for a family outing to Hatta, enjoy some dune bashing there and then head out for a family dinner, after which we will cut a cake. Also, we have put up Pakistan flags around the house and even on our cars."
Abdul Samad, student
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