Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                     14 August 2018

Harsh hot weather and working day were  not obstacles to large number of Pak expatriates rather witnessed overwhelming participation of expatriate Pakistanis celebrating their 71st Independence Day in Qatar.

Community forums arranged various colorful events across Qatar.

The morning started with official flag hoisting by Charge d'Affaires Murad Baseer at the Pakistan embassy premises where record number of Pakistanis from all walks of life gathered to celebrate their independence day.  A number of people and children participated in their national flag green colour attire.

Sarwar Hussain, Third Secretary read out messages from President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain and interim Prime Minister Nasirul-Mulk for the Independence Day.

Murad Baseer in his speech said that he has witnessed great love and loyalty among expatriate Pakistanis for their country.  While extending his greetings to the community members, he stressed on the countrymen to keep remember those sacrificed their lives during struggle for independence.

A cake cutting ceremony took place after the speeches joined by Pakistan embassy officials followed by national songs sang by children.  Traditional Pakistani breakfast was served at the end of the colorful program.

Later in afternoon, renowned Pakistanis Riaz Bakali, Ashraf Siddiqui, Syed Ali Naqvi and Chaudhary Taher Mahmood celebrated Pakistan Independence Day along with various communities leaders at the Headquarters of Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy. A cake cutting ceremony was held supported by Community Outreaching Department of the Supreme Community. On this occasion, Ms Samantha Sifah, Head of Community Outreaching extended her greetings to the Pakistani community and she joined in cake cutting ceremony.

In the evening, a gala colourful event was organised by Pakistani forum 'All Pakistanis Overseas Organization Int'l ' in AlBanoush Club, Meisaeed. Hafiz Junaid Sial, Community Attache, Pakistan embassy was Chief Guest on the occasion. A separate report of the event please see separately.