March towards a better future: Asif Durrani

I wish to felicitate Pakistanis in the UAE on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan Day. Each year we celebrate March 23 to mark the beginning of our epic struggle for an independent homeland and our journey as a nation. It serves as an occasion to recall and reaffirm the founding principles and lofty ideals reflected in the Pakistan Resolution of March 23, 1940. These principles animated the struggle for Pakistan, and continue to guide us in our onward march towards a better future.
As a nation and a country, we can take pride in our myriad accomplishments. Be it in the field of economy, security or science and technology, Pakistan has crossed many a milestone. Moreover, we have demonstrated time and again to the world that we are a strong, resilient polity with a capability to surmount tremendous odds.
Today, Pakistan stands at the cusp of many positive changes. Operation Zarb-e-Azb has achieved measurable success in eradicating the terrorism menace. The Government's prudent policies have led to macroeconomic stability. The infrastructure investments that are being made today will yield multiple far-reaching dividends in the future.
Pakistan's overseas communities including in the UAE are an integral part of the country's story. They have distinguished themselves by dint of their hardwork, loyalty and commitment, and contributed positively to the progress and development of this country. Their earnings here have also helped promote development in Pakistan.
Pakistan and the UAE have enjoyed close ties based on multiple commonalities and affinities. Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE, was a great friend of Pakistan. He remains in our prayers and supplications. Under the current leadership, The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, we look forward to further developing mutual beneficial relations.
I avail myself of this opportunity to call upon the Pakistani community in the UAE to continue contributing with utmost dedication, commitment and hard work, as they always have, to the progress and prosperity of the host country as well as that of Pakistan.