Pakistan Association Dubai: The Power of Giving

Dr Faisel Ikram, President of Pakistan Association Dubai, underlines the efforts taken by the community for the welfare of all in Dubai, one such being the Pakistan Medical Centre

As Pakistan celebrates the Lahore Resolution 1940, I urge the Pakistani community to become members of Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) and contribute to the well-being of the society. At PAD, we try to serve every segment of the community through numerous platforms and a multitude of initiatives.

You would be happy to know about the completion of the much-anticipated Pakistan Centre and Pakistan Medical Centre (PMC). The project, worth Dh18 million, could not have been possible without your robust support and prayers. The journey which started as an 'Own a Brick' campaign in 2016 culminated a massive response from individuals and corporates with the project ready to open doors soon. The project has been under the patronage of the Community Development Authority, Government of Dubai.
The 'Own A Brick' campaign has come to an end and we have now launched the 'Brick A Month' campaign, which will support the operations of PMC. The five types of bricks are categorised in different colours and gives each member of the community a chance to contribute monthly or as per their convenience. PAD has always been a strong advocate of inclusivity and this campaign is a reflection of it.

The Pakistan Centre is the world's largest community centre for overseas Pakistanis housing the Pakistan Medical Centre, one of the GCC's first not-for-profit healthcare facilities. PMC will be an outpatient polyclinic serving in multiple disciplines and open to all nationalities. We are pleased to say that the medical centre is a gift from the Pakistani community to other communities. It is aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in building a tolerant and cohesive society.

I would like to highlight the passion and generosity of the Pakistani community that help build this phenomenal project. We have had many communities walk in and leave in awe that this has been the sole effort of the community without any external support or funding. In addition to this, the Pakistan Auditorium was also built with assistance from the community. These projects are a mere reflection of what wonders we can do if we believe in a unified cause no matter what part of the world we are in.

Dr Faisel Ikram, President of Pakistan Association Dubai
I would like to take this opportunity to whole-heartedly acknowledge the non-Pakistani community and corporates' that trusted and believed in us. They are the ones that make a difference in a society. The Dar Al Ber Society is our local charity partner in this initiative.  
UAE-Pakistan harmony
We are happy to be in a country like the UAE that has allowed us to flourish economically and socially. The country's founding fathers believed strongly in communal cohesion and a prime example is of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, former Vice-President of the UAE, gifting a plot of land to the Pakistani community.   

The UAE and Pakistan has always enjoyed friendly relations. Pakistan was amongst the first few countries that recognised the UAE after its founding in 1971. The Emirates is home to 1.6 million Pakistanis who have, over the years, played an integral role in establishing UAE firms and companies. Pakistan is fortunate to have a friend that has supported various development projects through the UAE-Pakistan Assistance Program (UAE-PAP). In the years to come, the relationship between the two countries is expected to grow manifold especially with the Expo 2020 around the corner.  

On behalf of my team at Pakistan Association Dubai, I would like you visit the facility and look at the amazing work being done.

Components of Pakistan Centre
.    Pakistan Medical Centre
.    Health and Fitness Centre
.    Hub 47
.    Seminar Room
.    Restaurant
.    Meeting Rooms
.    Coffee Shop
.    Ladies & Gents Prayer Room
.    Offices

Brick A Month
Red Brick = Dh200
Blue Brick = Dh500
Green Brick = Dh1,000
Silver Brick = Dh5,000
Gold Brick = Dh10,000

For more details, email brickamonth@pad.ae/mmumtaz@pad.ae
Each brick owner is entitled to PAD membership.