ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan marked its 73rd Independence Day on Wednesday, citizens from all walks of life and faith joined hands to celebrate the occasion by organizing events in various parts of the country.
“Let us join hands to move our beloved country toward peace and stability, as well as to ensure long-term economic development and prosperity,” Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, a Hindu lawmaker from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party told Arab News.
He added that it’s an occasion which reminds us to work toward national growth and development “to realize the dream of our founding fathers.”
“Let’s show solidarity with the people of Kashmir who have been offering huge sacrifices for the last 73 years,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, a Facebook message posted by the All Pakistan Christian Community wished everyone on the occasion, adding: “Whatever the condition or situation is, Pakistani Christians will always stand by Pakistan and the armed forces of Pakistan.”
During a joint session of parliament, on August 6, certain representatives from the Hindu community made a flag with 60,000 green and white balloons which was showcased at the National Assembly Hall. The initiative, undertaken by the Pakistan Hindu Council, was the result of five days of hard work.
On August 11 every year, Pakistan observes the National Minorities’ Day. In this year’s messages, both President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the country could not aspire to achieve progress unless its nation had unity in its ranks.
PM Khan further renewed his pledge to work toward the welfare and wellbeing of minorities living in Pakistan, adding that their love for the country was exemplary and unquestionable.
He added that Pakistan’s founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah had detailed a policy for minorities in Pakistan which his government was determined to fulfill. “We will keep our promise of complete religious freedom and equal opportunities for minorities to ensure their progress and development,” he said.
Hindus and Christians unite to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day
Hindus and Christians unite to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day
- It’s an occasion that reminds us to work toward national growth, Hindu lawmaker says
- Christian community vows to stand by country always
Pakistan PM invites UAE investment across tech and resource sectors at National Day event
- Shehbaz Sharif says the UAE remains a key economic partner and continues to lend ‘critical support’ to Pakistan
- UAE envoy says both nations have potential for cooperation in renewable energy, AI and economic diversification
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is ready to welcome investment from the United Arab Emirates across emerging technologies and resource sectors, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday, as both countries marked the 54th National Day of the Gulf country in Islamabad.
Speaking at the ceremony attended by senior ministers, diplomats and business leaders, Sharif said the UAE remained a key economic partner for Pakistan and continued to lend “critical support” to the country’s stabilizing economy.
“Pakistan takes great pride in its strategic partnership with the UAE, which continues to deepen across every domain of life,” he said. “With Pakistan’s economy stabilizing, we stand ready to welcome Emirati investment in renewable energy, AI, fintech, agriculture and minerals.”
Sharif praised the UAE’s leadership and recalled his earliest memories of the Gulf nation as “a land that believed in possibilities long before they became realities,” saying the country’s progress under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan commanded “profound admiration.”
UAE Ambassador Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi said the Emirates was committed to strengthening ties with Pakistan in areas including the economy, energy and artificial intelligence.
He said the two countries shared a “deep-rooted friendship built on mutual respect, shared values and a common vision for regional peace and development.”
“We see tremendous potential for collaboration in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, sustainability and economic diversification,” the ambassador said, adding that the UAE aimed to broaden the scope of its economic relations with Pakistan.
The UAE hosts around 1.8 million Pakistani expatriates, one of the country’s largest overseas communities, who Sharif said contributed “tirelessly” to the Gulf state’s development.
Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also joined the UAE ambassador in a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion.
