- The biggest celebration takes place at Pakistan Association Club in Dubai
Interview with Mr. Zaheer Ahmed— UAE-based Pakistani
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Zaheer Ahmed: I am an overseas Pakistani, living in the UAE for the last 12 years. I am working as an aircraft engineer.
PAGE: Could you give your perspective about the 14th August Independence Day celebrations by the Pakistanis in the UAE?
Zaheer Ahmed: Independence Day is celebrated in the UAE by Pakistanis as we do in the home country. On the occasion, people get together and celebrate in different ways. I think probably the biggest celebration takes place at Pakistan Association Club in Dubai where everybody is welcome to enjoy and party.
PAGE: Do you miss Pakistan? How would you celebrate 14th August if you were in Pakistan?
Zaheer Ahmed: Of course, we do. We normally meet up with friends and family over the weekend as there is no holiday on the 14th of August in the UAE. We have dinner, BBQ and chitchat. All families reminisce about the celebrations back in Pakistan. Let me divulge; the Pakistani diaspora adores Pakistan more than probably the denizens residing in Pakistan.
PAGE: Could you share the feelings of the Pakistani diaspora about Pakistan?
Zaheer Ahmed: Being away from the country isn’t so cool, we miss the country, culture and people residing there. We cherish memories of childhood and the days in school when we had terrific gatherings.
PAGE: What questions do your kids ask about Pakistan?
Zaheer Ahmed: They ask how and when Pakistan came into being. What difficulties people braced and who led the independence movement? They do ask about the current situation in Pakistan. They also ask about the current leadership and the problems of the homeland.