Pakistani community in Abu Dhabi celebrates Independence Day with national fervour
Country's flag raised at embassy
ABU DHABI -- The Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi marked Pakistan’s Independence Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony on Friday, bringing together a large number of members of the Pakistani community and their families.
The ceremony was held at the embassy premises on August 14, 2026, as Pakistanis across the UAE and around the world commemorated the country’s independence with national pride and enthusiasm.
Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE Shafqat Ali Khan hoisted the national flag to the strains of the national anthem, formally opening the ceremony.
Messages from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar were also read out during the event.
Ambassador’s message
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan welcomed the participants and congratulated them on Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day anniversary.
He extended prayers for peace, stability and prosperity in Pakistan and called upon members of the Pakistani community to continue playing a constructive role in the country's development.
The ambassador highlighted the contribution of Pakistanis living in the UAE, noting their role in the development of the host country as well as their contribution to Pakistan’s economy through remittances.
He also described the Pakistani community as an important bridge between Pakistan and the UAE, reflecting the longstanding people-to-people ties between the two countries.
UAE hospitality
The ambassador expressed appreciation to the UAE government for its longstanding hospitality towards the more than 2.2 million Pakistanis living in the country.
He acknowledged the care, support and opportunities extended to the Pakistani community across different aspects of life, saying the welcoming environment in the UAE had enabled Pakistanis to contribute positively to the country's development while maintaining strong links with their homeland.
The UAE is home to one of the largest overseas Pakistani communities, with Pakistanis contributing across a wide range of sectors and professions.
Ambassador Khan also urged community members to respect the laws of the UAE and remain law-abiding citizens, stressing the importance of maintaining the positive image of the Pakistani community.
Patriotic performances
The ceremony also featured a performance by children from Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Arab Pakistan School, who sang patriotic songs with enthusiasm.
The young participants added to the festive atmosphere as the gathering marked the national occasion with expressions of patriotism and pride.
The children later joined Ambassador Khan for the traditional Independence Day cake-cutting ceremony.
The event concluded with the Pakistani community coming together to celebrate the country’s independence while reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the bonds between Pakistan and the UAE.
Pakistan became independent on August 14, 1947. The 2026 celebrations mark the 79th anniversary of independence, while the country has entered its 80th year since independence.