By Ammar Yasir
DUBAI — The Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City became a vibrant tapestry of green and white as over 60,000
people gathered for what is now officially recognised as the largest overseas Pakistan Independence Day elebration in the world.
Organised by Emirates Loves Pakistan in collaboration with the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) and supported
by Dubai Police, the event marked Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day with unmatched energy, rich cultural showcases, and a shared sense of pride between two nations whose friendship spans decades.
A Celebration of Brotherhood and Shared History: The highlight of the evening came when Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and
Coexistence, addressed the crowd. His words carried both warmth and conviction:
“Here in Dubai, we also celebrate the deep bonds of friendship and brotherhood uniting Pakistan and the United
Arab Emirates.”
This year’s celebration held special diplomatic weight. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE,
called the gathering “historic” and praised the diaspora for showcasing the nation’s culture and values on such a
grand scale.
The UAE and Pakistan share diplomatic ties dating back to 1971, and their cooperation has expanded across trade, culture, and governance. In June 2025, the two countries launched a strategic government-modernisation partnership—a move reflecting deepening trust and collaboration.
A Cultural and Musical Extravaganza
Adding an electrifying edge to the festivities, stage host Farhan Khan kept the audience buzzing—introducing performers, exchanging banter with the crowd, and capturing the raw emotion of overseas Pakistanis celebrating far from home. He also praised the Dubai Government for its vital role in ensuring the event’s success.
The 12-hour celebration brought together some of Pakistan’s biggest talents:
• Sahir Ali Bagga set the tone with powerful musical performances.
• Natasha Baig, the Sufi rock sensation, infused the stage with her soulful voice.
• Yousuf Bashir Qureshi captivated audiences with his masterful storytelling.
Accompanying the live performances were regional folk dances, heritage exhibitions, and traditional food stalls serving the flavours of Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan—turning the venue into a living, breathing portrait of Pakistan’s diversity.
Honouring Community Contributions
The event also included an awards ceremony recognising prominent Pakistanis in the UAE across law, education,
media, business, and sports. These honours served as a reminder of the diaspora’s substantial role in the UAE’s
growth and multicultural fabric.
One of the evening’s most forward-looking moments came from Dr. Faisel Ikram, President of PAD, who announced a AED 45 million expansion of the Pakistan Medical Centre (PMC). The expansion will triple the
centre’s capacity and introduce advanced services such as diagnostics, radiology, dialysis, and physiotherapy.
Since opening in October 2020, the PMC has treated over 140,000 patients from more than 100 nationalities, making it a flagship example of community-led service and cross-cultural compassion.
Beyond Independence Day — A Testament to Ties:
As fireworks lit up the Dubai sky, the evening felt like more than just an anniversary celebration—it was a living
testament to UAE–Pakistan friendship.
It was about shared values: hospitality, resilience, and ambition. It was about mutual respect—from the UAE’s
support in hosting this record-breaking event to Pakistanis’ contributions in every sphere of UAE society.
For the 60,000+ in attendance—and the millions watching from afar—August 14, 2025. The night ended not just
as a celebration of independence, but as a living testament to the enduring bond between Pakistan and the
UAE—woven together with culture, friendship, and shared pride.
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