ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day celebrations kicked off in a spectacular fashion at the Dubai Exhibition Center in Expo City on Sunday, drawing thousands from across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The mega event, titled ‘Emirates Loves Pakistan,’ was organized in collaboration with the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) and supported by Dubai Police, featured a colorful mix of music, dance, art, cuisine and community spirit.
Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s envoy to the United Arab Emirates, expressed his profound gratitude to the UAE authorities for their participation in the momentous occasion.
“This will be the biggest Pakistan Independence Day celebration in the world,” he said on Sunday evening, adding that more than 60,000 people had registered for participation in the event.
The gathering included diplomats, Emirati dignitaries and members of the vibrant Pakistani community in the UAE. It featured performances from national superstar Sahir Ali Bagga, Sufi rock singer Natasha Baig, and celebrated storyteller Yousuf Bashir Qureshi.
From the aroma of traditional food stalls to the energy of live music and the green-and-white flags, the event was a vibrant manifestation of Pakistan’s heritage, friendship and national pride.
Hussain Muhammad, Pakistan’s consul-general in Dubai, extended special thanks to PAD for its dedicated efforts in organizing the event.
“He praised the contributions of the Pakistani community to the UAE’s development and urged them to continue observing local laws, respecting the norms and policies of the host country,” the Pakistani embassy said.
The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the US, and is considered a critical market due to its geographic proximity and logistical advantages.
The Gulf state is also Pakistan’s second-largest source of foreign remittances, after Saudi Arabia, with over 1.8 million Pakistani expatriates living and working there.
In his remarks, PAD President Dr. Faisal Ikram paid a tribute to the sacrifices made by the Muslims of the subcontinent in their struggle for an independent homeland, reaffirming the importance of unity, progress, and community spirit.
Pakistan marks its Independence Day each year on August 14 to celebrate the day it secured independence from British rule in Indian Subcontinent. Pakistani embassies across the world hold special events marking the significance of independence while special programs are held across the country to mark the occasion.
