Over 60,000 people register for grand
78th Independence Day event, Cultural
performances, food, and exhibitions
Special correspondent
Dubai: The 78th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence Day began with a grand celebration at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City, marking the start of what is set to be the largest Pakistan Independence Day event in the world.
Organised by Emirates Loves Pakistan in collaboration with the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) and supported by Dubai Police, the mega public gathering has already registered more than 60,000 participants. The event is graced by H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Envoy to the UAE, along with diplomats, Emirati dignitaries, and members of the Pakistani community.
Ambassador Tirmizi expressed deep gratitude to the UAE government for its support, calling the celebration “the biggest Pakistan Independence Day event in the world.” He highlighted that artists, musicians, and performers from all provinces of Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, are showcasing the nation’s cultural richness through music, dance, cuisine, and traditional attire.
Last year’s celebration at Dubai World Trade Centre drew 15,000 attendees, prompting organisers to shift to a much larger venue this year. The day-long programme runs from 11:00 AM until midnight and features live performances by national music icon Sahir Ali Bagga, acclaimed Sufi rock singer Natasha Baig, and celebrated storyteller Yousuf Bashir Qureshi. Cultural exhibitions, folk performances, art displays, and traditional food stalls offer a vibrant glimpse into Pakistan’s heritage and the enduring friendship between Pakistan and the UAE.
H.E. Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, thanked the organisers for their dedication and praised the Pakistani community’s contributions to the UAE’s growth, urging them to respect local laws and cultural norms. Dr. Faisal Ikram, President of PAD, paid tribute to the sacrifices of the subcontinent’s Muslims in achieving an independent homeland, reaffirming the importance of unity, progress, and community spirit.
