Pakistan envoy urges UAE expats to uphold laws during Independence Day

Pakistani diplomatic missions in the UAE marked the country’s 79th Independence Day on Friday, 14 August, with a directive for the 2.2 million-strong diaspora to strictly adhere to local regulations and support the national economies of both nations. Formal flag-hoisting ceremonies were held at the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai, drawing hundreds of community members. Diplomatic Directives and Economic Impact Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan led the proceedings in the capital, where he hoisted the national flag and relayed messages from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Addressing the gathering, the Ambassador explicitly urged Pakistani residents to remain law-abiding and to act as a constructive bridge between the two countries. He noted that the UAE provides a stable environment for the diaspora, which in turn supports Pakistan’s domestic economy through consistent remittances. In Dubai, Acting Consul General Fawad Ali Khan addressed a separate assembly, emphasizing the importance of utilizing legal banking channels for financial transfers. The Consulate also launched an art exhibition in collaboration with Parallel Palette, featuring works by artists Soobika Fawad and Afsheen Beig. The exhibition is part of the government’s 2026 initiative designating the current 12-month period as the “Year of Quaid-e-Azam.” Bilateral Relations and Future Outlook The events occur as Pakistan continues to rely heavily…