No violation of human rights in UAE: Pak envoy

The pronouncement comes after an October European Union resolution, which criticised the country’s human rights record.

Ambassador Jamil Ahmed Khan said Pakistani workers in the UAE were much happier and more satisfied than their counterparts working in other countries, and said the UAE showed transparency and openness in its dealings with its residents from 193 different countries.

Khalid Al Kamda; Dr Zia Ul Hasan, president of the Pakistan Association Dubai; and Jamil Ahmed Khan at the inaugural ceremony of ‘solidarity celebrations’ on the association’s premises on Friday. — KT photo by Mohammad Mustafa Khan

He spoke at the event hosted by the Pakistan Association on Friday evening, where he also urged Pakistanis to follow the law of the land. “If you do not respect the law, you are heading for self destruction,” he said.

Pakistan was constantly showing solidarity with the UAE, he said. The event kick-started a month of activities, including visits to old age homes and prisons, to celebrate solidarity with the UAE on its approaching 41^st National Day on December 2.

A list of scheduled events was unveiled at the function, which was attended by senior officials from the Community Development Authority (CDA). “Strike the word ‘second’ and the UAE becomes your home,” said Khalid Al Kamda, Director-General of CDA, while addressing the gathering. He expressed his gratitude to the community for helping the UAE in its development.

“Pakistan helped us set up Emirates Airlines and the inaugural flight was from Dubai to Karachi in 1985,” he said while recalling one of many such events.

Irfan Mustafa, a leadership trainer and Managing Director at Yum International said, Dubai is a model state and has become a household name within a few years. “Though we are Pakistanis by birth, we have to develop a boundary-less mindset since we reside within a diverse culture and different communities,” he said while delivering a lecture.

Dr Hadi Shahid, Managing Partner of Alliot Hadi Shahid Group, while delivering a lecture on ‘Law of the Land’ said: “We have to follow the laws of the land and do what our host wants us to do.” The association also recognised the services of a number of prominent Pakistanis and issued certificates of appreciation.

(With inputs from Wam)
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

Lineup of Events

• Nov 9 - Late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan and Allama Iqbal - Great visionaries of the East (debates, lectures)
• Nov 16 - UAE Cup, cricket tournament
• Nov 27 - Visit to old age home and prison
• Nov 30 - Human solidarity chain
• Nov 30 - Health awareness camp
• Nov 29-Dec 2 - Food festival and community bazaar
• Dec 2 - Solidarity walk
• Facebook photographic competition on UAE-Pak friendship

• UAE