On the occasion of National Day, I wish to convey my heartfelt congratulations to my fellow Pakistanis living in the UAE. Each year March 23 marks the commencement of our journey towards freedom and the ideals of our nationhood.
It is also an opportunity to look back and give deep thought to our prospects. In seven decades, we have faced many challenges. History and circumstances might not have been kind to us; Pakistan has seen wars, natural disasters and political and economic upheavals. But time and again, drawing upon our inherent resilience and core strengths, we have surmounted the insurmountable.
As Pakistanis, we should take heart from the fact that our country today stands at the cusp of positive developments. Prime Minister Imran Khan's people-centric development agenda, coupled with the rapid pace of implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and huge investments announced by Saudi Arabia, are fast transforming Pakistan's geostrategic significance and economic strength.
Let us not forget our debt of gratitude to the UAE, its people and leadership, who have stood in solidarity with Pakistan through good times and bad, thanks to our longstanding and deep-rooted religious, cultural, civilisational and economic links.
The story of Pakistan's success would remain incomplete if we did not mention overseas Pakistanis. They have been, and will remain, the co-authors of Pakistan's success story. By dint of hard work and sacrifice, they have not only carved a name for themselves in foreign lands but also contributed to the uplift of their communities and country. Pakistan salutes these sons and daughters of the soil.
On this day, we must resolve to continue to march onwards with confidence and faith. The work of creating the Pakistan envisioned by its founders has not finished and circumstances leave us no room for complacency.
Moazzam Ahmad Khan, Pakistani ambassador to the UAE
Idai survivors need our help today and in the long run
I write to you in reference to your editorial Long-term aid is crucial in the wake of Idai (March 23).
Cyclone Idai has swept through southern Africa hitting Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. I was truly shocked to hear that more than 1,000 people are thought to have died. I hope that those who are still stranded will soon get the help they desperately need.
However, emergency aid alone will not solve the crisis. The international community must provide long-term solutions to help rebuild the affected areas.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
From tragedy and sorrow, a kernel of optimism
I write in reference to your article Post Christchurch: Two Bangladesh cricketers marry after surviving New Zealand mosque horror: congratulations to both men and their new wives. Life is short and fleeting, we must spend it doing the things that we love.
Maryam Muhammad, Abuja
