- With a love for traditional dishes and national songs, the community seeks larger events and greater embassy involvement to boost participation
Interview with Mr Zaheer Ahmed — UAE-based PakistaniÂ
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Zaheer Ahmed:Â Â I am an overseas Pakistani, living in the UAE for last 12 years. I am an Aircraft Engineer.
PAGE:Â How long have you been living abroad and how and where do you celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day?
Zaheer Ahmed:Â Â We do go to Pakistan Association Dubai or Pakistan Culture Centre to celebrate the Independence Day.
PAGE:Â What questions do your kids ask you about Pakistan and its history?
Zaheer Ahmed:Â Â Kids normally ask about the special cuisine which is normally available in the event. They love to eat jalebi, dahi dalley and other desi dishes. They also ask about the national songs which are played like who sang etc. They really like the national songs especially sung by Junaid Jamsheed.
PAGE:Â How patriotic are Pakistani descent kids and how do they celebrate the Independence Day of Pakistan?
Zaheer Ahmed:Â Â They are quite passionate while carrying flag and chanting songs in the event. They feel pride of their belonging.
PAGE: How does the Pakistani community intend to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day this year?
Zaheer Ahmed:Â Â In fact, more than 2 million Pakistani expats are living in the UAE at this juncture. The events which are arranged are quite at small scale. I think, embassy should take initiative and arrange the event at large scale in a huge auditorium so that more and more could attend and enjoy the event. Also, they should engage and embolden more and more people to attend the event like other communities.