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Message by the Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE: Journey towards freedom

'March 23 is an occasion to look back at our freedom struggle and plan for our future,' says Moazzam Ahmad Khan, Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE

On the occasion of Pakistan Day, I wish to convey to my fellow countrymen living in the UAE my heartfelt congratulations. Each year we mark March 23 as the commencement of our journey towards freedom and cherish the ideals of our nationhood.
The demand for Pakistan was not for the attainment of territory or a piece of land. At its core, it was about certain deeply held ideals of social justice, equality, self-determination and most importantly religious freedom. These ideals continue to animate our dreams and actions till this day.
It is an occasion also to look back and give deep thought to our prospects. In the span of seven decades, we have faced many challenges. History and circumstances may not have been very kind to us. Pakistan has seen wars, natural disasters, and political and economic upheavals. But time and again, drawing upon our inherent resilience and core strengths, we have surmounted the insurmountable. 
As Pakistanis, we should take heart in the fact that our country today stands at the cusp of many positive developments. The people-centric development agenda of Prime Minister Imran Khan, coupled with the rapid pace of implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and huge investments announced by Saudi Arabia recently, is fast transforming Pakistan's geostrategic significance into geo-economic strength.
They are not only going to be a game changer for Pakistan but will also bring immense opportunities for international businesses. No wonder, because of these transformational changes more and more analysts are speaking about Pakistan in terms of promising investment prospects.
To achieve our freedom, our forefathers rendered enormous sacrifices; to safeguard it, calls for even greater efforts. The unity and maturity displayed by our nation during the recent unprovoked aggression committed against Pakistan, was a reflection of the unwavering faith our people have in their country and its institutions. It also showed their readiness to render the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of their country. 
The whole world saw as to how our valiant armed forces with the unflinching support of the people of Pakistan, effectively responded to these aggressions.
Let us not forget our debt of gratitude to the UAE, its people and leadership, who have stood in solidarity with Pakistan through good times and bad. With the UAE, we have long-standing and deep-rooted religious, cultural, civilisational and economic links.
It is heartening to see that the momentum initiated by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan has been sustained under the current leadership of The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. 
Pakistan was honoured to receive His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in Islamabad, in January this year. This was the third high-level interaction between the leadership of Pakistan and the UAE in as many months. Consequent to these high-level interactions followed by several visits at the ministerial level, the two sides have decided to transform these special relations into a strategic partnership, encompassing all areas of mutual interests.
Here, I would particularly like to thank the UAE leadership for its generous financial support to Pakistan. It will go a long way in helping Pakistan address its external financial challenges. We are confident that this mutually beneficial relationship will further expand and diversify in the years ahead.
The story of Pakistan's success would remain incomplete if we did not mention and recognise the roles overseas Pakistanis have played.
These Pakistanis have been, and will remain, the co-authors of Pakistan's success story. By dint of hard work and sacrifice, they have not only carved a name and niche for themselves in foreign lands but also contributed to the uplift of their communities and country back home. Pakistan salutes these sons and daughters of the soil. 
On this day, we must resolve to continue to march onwards with confidence and faith. The work of creating the Pakistan envisioned by its founders has not finished, and circumstances leave us no room for complacency.