Pakistani envoy calls on UAE expats to respect local laws on Independence Day
Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE urged the expatriate community to uphold local laws and continue contributing to both countries' development during 79th Independence Day celebrations attended by thousands in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Independence Day: Pakistan envoy urges expats to uphold UAE laws
Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE called on the country's expatriate community to respect local laws and maintain their contributions to both nations during Independence Day celebrations marking 79 years since the country gained independence from British colonial rule in 1947.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi hosted a flag-hoisting ceremony on Friday, drawing large numbers of Pakistani community members and their families to commemorate the anniversary of the partition of the Indian subcontinent that created Pakistan on August 14, 1947.
Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan raised the national flag as the anthem played, followed by readings of messages from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
Economic bridge between nations
Addressing attendees, Khan congratulated the Pakistani community and offered prayers for Pakistan's peace, prosperity and progress. He emphasized the community's dual role in supporting both the UAE's growth and Pakistan's economy through financial transfers sent home.
The ambassador described Pakistanis living in the UAE as forming a vital connection between the two countries. UAE-based Pakistani workers have consistently ranked among the top contributors to Pakistan's remittance inflows, sending $696 million in February 2026 alone and exceeding $1 billion in May 2026. These transfers form a substantial portion of the record $41.6 billion in total remittances Pakistan received during fiscal year 2025-26, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia together accounting for nearly half of all inflows.
Beyond remittances, bilateral trade between Pakistan and the UAE surpassed $10.5 billion during fiscal year 2025-26, with Pakistani exports to the Emirates exceeding $2.1 billion, underscoring the economic partnership between the nations.
Gratitude and responsibility
Khan thanked the UAE government for its sustained hospitality toward more than 2.2 million Pakistanis residing in the country. He praised the welcoming environment and opportunities the Emirates provides, which have enabled Pakistani nationals to contribute positively to the UAE's development while maintaining strong ties with their homeland.
The ambassador stressed the importance of responsible conduct, urging community members to remain law-abiding residents and respect UAE regulations in all aspects of their lives.
Children from Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Arab Pakistan School performed patriotic presentations during the ceremony and joined the ambassador in cutting an Independence Day cake.
Dubai celebrations
The Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai held a parallel flag-hoisting ceremony attended by numerous Pakistani community members, consular officials and guests.
Acting Consul General Fawad Ali Khan said Independence Day represents freedom, sacrifice, determination and national identity. He paid tribute to the struggle that led to Pakistan's creation under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, highlighting the founding principles of faith, unity and discipline.
The Acting Consul General praised the Pakistani community's contributions to both countries, particularly the support provided to families and the national economy through remittances sent via legal banking channels.
Cultural commemoration
The Dubai ceremony featured an art exhibition organized by the Consulate General in partnership with Parallel Palette. The exhibition displayed works by Pakistani artists drawing inspiration from the ideals of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan's founder and first Governor-General who led the independence movement, and their connection to Pakistan.
The exhibition formed part of the Pakistani government's designation of 2026 as the 'Year of Quaid-e-Azam' to honor Jinnah's legacy. Fawad Ali Khan recognized the participating artists, including Soobika Fawad and Afsheen Beig, for their contributions.
Both ceremonies concluded with tributes to Pakistan's martyrs and prayers for the nation's continued peace, prosperity and progress. Back in Pakistan, Independence Day celebrations traditionally begin with a 31-gun salute in the capital Islamabad and 21-gun salutes at provincial headquarters.
The UAE remains the second most popular destination for Pakistani workers after Saudi Arabia, with migration patterns showing the Emirates' continued importance to the Pakistani diaspora and the strong ties between the two nations.
