Watch: Natasha Baig stuns Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day crowd in Dubai
Star-studded celebrations lit up Expo City on Sunday
DUBAI: Natasha Baig, the acclaimed Pakistani singer-songwriter known for her powerful Sufi rock performances, was a highlight at the 78th Independence Day celebrations of Pakistan held at Expo City Dubai.
Hailing from Hunza Valley, Baig’s dynamic blend of traditional Sufi themes and contemporary rock enthralled the massive crowd gathered for this historic event.
Joining Baig on stage was Pakistan’s national superstar Sahir Ali Bagga, whose soulful renditions and musical direction have earned him widespread acclaim.
The event also featured celebrated storyteller Yousuf Bashir Qureshi, while Pakistan’s film and television star Humayoun Saeed graced the occasion, adding star power to the festivities.
Pakistan Independence Day in Dubai
More than 60,000 attendees registered for the day-long celebrations, marking it as the largest Pakistan Independence Day event held outside Pakistan. This represented a significant leap from last year’s 15,000-strong gathering at Dubai World Trade Centre, prompting organisers to move to the larger Expo City venue.
Pakistanis of all ages came dressed in national and traditional attire, celebrating their heritage with music, dance, and a rich variety of cultural performances.
The event was organised by “Emirates Loves Pakistan,” a platform dedicated to showcasing the achievements of the Pakistani community in the UAE, in collaboration with the Pakistan Association Dubai and supported by Dubai Police.
It was attended by dignitaries including Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, who acknowledged the deep bond between the two nations.
Grand celebrations
The celebrations unfolded at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai, where stages were set for live musical performances alongside numerous food stalls offering traditional Pakistani cuisine. The atmosphere was festive, with people from diverse backgrounds uniting in celebration, reflecting the longstanding friendship and cultural ties between Pakistan and the UAE.
The programme highlighted Pakistan’s cultural diversity, featuring artists representing all provinces as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. From traditional folk music to contemporary hits, the event was a vibrant showcase of Pakistan’s artistic heritage and the contributions of its diaspora.