Independence Day Celebration

Double Celebrations as Foundation Stone of Pakistan Centre being laid by on Independence Day On the eve of Pakistan’s seventieth Independence Day celebrations, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Youth, Culture and Social Development graced the glittering event at Pakistan Association Dubai on Monday evening.
The event which held at the Pakistan Auditorium was in collaboration with Pakistan Embassy and was attended by over 700 people who eulogized the success and defiance of their dear homeland.His Excellency Sheikh Nayhan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan laid the foundation stone of Pakistan Centre, a first of its kind not for profit medical centre in GCC which will be open to all nationalities.

Marking the occasion His Excellency said “The association’s attention to the medical needs of the Pakistani community strikes me as being especially commendable. Today’s groundbreaking for the Pakistan Centre is a fitting tribute to the ideals of Pakistan on this seventieth anniversary of independence.”
He also added those pioneering Pakistanis who lived and worked in what is now the UAE had a fully justified sense of their own worthiness and thus founded this association in 1963.
“The successful relationship between our two countries contributes greatly to regional progress and stability. I am confident that the bonds between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates will strengthen and that our two countries will move forward together toward a more peaceful and prosperous world” asserted the Minister of Youth, Culture and Social Development.
Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE Moazzam Ahmed Khan expressed deep gratitude at His Excellency’s gracing the event. He said “UAE has been a trusted ally and a significant development partner. On our seventieth anniversary we reaffirm our commitment to peace, security, stability and continued prosperity to the UAE and to the Pakistan UAE Friendship”.
He further added that PAD has shown excellent commitment through the years and have been an effective flag bearer of the community and nation. They deserve all the appreciation and support.
Other notable dignitaries’ included Dr Omar Al Muthanna, CEO of Community Development Authority, Saleh Al Mazmi, Head of Licensing CDA, Suhail Al Zarooni, Chairman of the Zarooni Foundation and Samar Javed, Counsel General of Pakistan.
Dr Abdul Bari founder of Indus Hospital and Mohammad Hassan, Chancellor of Riphah University flew in from Karachi especially for the event. Indus hospital will be extending their support in setting up paperless medical records at Pakistan Centre and Riphah University taken ownership of the dental unit and will be providing the equipment, working material and staff for indefinite period.
Dr Faisel Ikram, General Secretary of PAD expressed everything seems impossible until it’s done. “Pakistan was a dream come true and this project is our dream and God willing it will become the torchbearer for other communities”.
Pakistan Centre will be the world’s largest community centre for overseas Pakistanis anywhere in the world will be housed in a two storey building comprising of the medical centre, a health and fitness centre, a theme restaurant, business incubation centre, seminar rooms, offices and a ladies and gents mosque.
The construction cost of the building is Dh12 million which will take shape with the help of community members and would be completed in 18 months.
“This is a prestigious occasion and I congratulate my fellow countrymen on the laying of the foundation stone of a unique project. Together with the support of the community PAD will scale new heights and become a name of pride for Pakistanis everywhere” said Dr Zia ul Hasan, President of Pakistan Association Dubai in his closing remarks.
Fifteen members of the Pakistani community were given awards by the Chief Guest for their exceptional service in the field of education, health, social development, business and banking, philanthropy amongst others.
A photographic exhibition highlighting the decades old friendship between the Pakistan and UAE was also displayed which was highly appreciated by His Excellency.