Flags & Fervor | PAD Glows in Green for Pakistan Day

The celebrations carried on the following day on Saturday, March 19th with our Jashn-e-Pakistan event. Organized by the PAD Culture Committee, the event was lined up with tableaus, national songs, authentic Pakistani delicacies and performances by Nouman Shah and Pakistani comedian duo Barkat and Uzmi. The evening kicked off with the Dubai Police band performance outside the Pakistan Auditorium building, followed by the roaring of engines as the Pakistan Riders Group (PRG) rallied to PAD on luxury motorbikes. Over 500 people from the community – including CEO Community Development Authority, Dr Omar Al Muthanna and Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, Mr Afzaal Mahmood – gathered as the festivities came to life at the Pakistan Auditorium.

CEO Community Development Authority, Dr Omar Al Muthanna congratulated the Pakistani community on marking Pakistan Resolution Day and took the opportunity to reflect on the exceptional bilateral relations shared between Pakistan and the UAE. “I congratulate you all on the occasion of Pakistan’s National Day and thank you for inviting me today. PAD’s commitment to serve any individual regardless of their nationality is crucial for the vision of our country. In recognition of PAD’s contribution to the national objective and unwavering commitment to the welfare of our communities, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Board of Directors, volunteers and staff of PAD,” remarked Dr Omar Al Muthanna.
Spirits soared high as children performed tableaus to display their passion and love for the country. Singer Nouman Shah mesmerized the crowd with national songs that resounded through the auditorium as the audience swayed their national flags to the rhythm of collective zeal and fervor. Budding artists also exhibited their talent for the Jashn-e-Pakistan Art Competition – organized by PAD’s Overseas Pakistani Artists Fraternity (OSPAF) – with winning pieces receiving certificates.

Ambassador of Pakistan, Mr Afzaal Mahmood also graced the event and shared the historic significance of Pakistan Resolution Day. Mr Mahmood said “I am honored to be present here to mark what was a monumental day in the rich history of our country. It is the day the Pakistan Movement emerged in 1940 and followed years of struggle and sacrifice for our freedom, under the wise leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. As always, I am truly grateful to the vehicle that is PAD which leads our national celebrations every year with great passion.”
Pakistan’s popular comedian duo Barkat and Uzmi flew in from Pakistan to join the festivities and entertained the crowd, bringing an exciting close to our weekend celebrations. Families and children alike enjoyed the thrilling performance as the auditorium boomed with laughter and joy.
PAD General Secretary, Mr Muhsin Al Banna also congratulated the Pakistani community in the UAE on Pakistan Resolution Day and said “I want to take this opportunity to thank our esteemed guests and members of community for being here today and making our Pakistan Day celebrations an incredible success. PAD takes pride in creating this hub for the community to celebrate our culture and traditions, especially on occasions like Yaum-e-Pakistan.”

PAD Director of Culture, Mr Zahid Hassan thanked the community for being a part of the 23rd March celebrations. “Each year, it brings us great pleasure to organize our national celebrations and we thank the community for joining us from all over the UAE and considering PAD as their mini-Pakistan in the Emirates. We are also grateful to our friends at Cool & Cool, Chai Shai, Serene Air, and IFFCO for sponsoring the event.”
The festivities which started at 7pm, lasted till midnight, leaving the audience enthralled with patriotic performances and desi culinary delights to end the celebratory weekend at PAD.