Paris glows green and white: Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day celebrated in France

Paris: The Pakistan Embassy in Paris celebrated the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan with a flag hoisting ceremony.

Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch raised the Pakistani flag to the tune of the national anthem in the presence of members of the diaspora, embassy officials, and Pakistani families including a large number of children.

The colourful Independence Day program included national songs and documentary.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani community in the United Arab Emirates came together in a powerful display of patriotism to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day, with large gatherings and symbolic ceremonies marking the occasion.

Flag-hoisting events were held at the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai, drawing families and community members from across the Emirates. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, raised the national flag in Abu Dhabi, leading the community in commemorating the nation’s 78th Independence Day.

Addressing the attendees, Ambassador Tirmizi emphasized the timeless principles of unity, faith, and discipline, calling them the cornerstones of Pakistan’s resilience and progress. He hailed the nation’s steadfast spirit and highlighted recent achievements in national defense.

The ambassador also praised the vital role played by the Pakistani diaspora, whose remittances reached $7.9 billion last year, in strengthening bilateral ties and contributing to the UAE’s development.

In a move aimed at further easing services for overseas citizens, Ambassador Tirmizi announced the launch of an online tracking system for passport and NICOP applications, crediting the embassy’s IT team for their efforts. He also shared plans for expanding access to quality education through more Pakistani private schools opening branches in the UAE.

This year’s Independence Day celebrations reached new heights with a grand event on August 10 at Dubai Expo City. An estimated 60,000 community members attended, making it one of the largest overseas gatherings in Pakistan’s national day history.