Together we will take our country to new heights: Ambassador Tirmizi

DUBAI: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Faisal Niaz Tirmizi has expressed the belief that “together we will take our country to new heights”.

The Ambassador was speaking to the media as he attended the Pakistan Festival on its second day on Monday.

The festival is being organised by the Pakistan Association Dubai as part of the celebrations of Pakistan Day (March 23), the date when the historical resolution was passed for the creation of our homeland in 1940.

The Pakistan Festival kicked off on Sunday with a colourful opening ceremony that was graced by Consul General of Pakistan to Dubai Hassan Afzal Khan.

While congratulating PAD President Faisal Ikram, its members and the whole Pakistani community on the occasion, Ambassador Tirmizi said he was very pleased to see the event.

“The presence of such a large number of people here for the festival shows our love for Pakistan. I also visited the stalls and it’s so good to see. It is a wonderful event.

“It is said ‘together we rise’ and in the same manner together we will take our country to new heights, Insha Allah,” he said.

When asked to give a message to his countrymen on the occasion, Ambassador Tirmizi regretted that people are sending money to Pakistan through hundi.

“Lately, we are getting feedback that money is being sent to Pakistan through hundi, which is a violation of the laws of both United Arab Emirates and Pakistan as well as international laws,” he said.

“Please, send money to your loved ones by using banking channels. Your money is very important for the future of Pakistan,” he added.

He also talked about promotion of the country’s tourism industry.

“Each one of us, individually and collectively, are Pakistan’s ambassadors. As Pakistan Association Dubai is open to everyone, in the same way the Pakistani community should serve members of all communities and should also take them to Pakistan. More tourism means more foreign exchange,” he said.

He cited the examples of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan and said a lot of people visit these countries for tourism purposes. “Likewise, it is very important that you (Pakistani community) take your colleagues, Emiratis and other nationals to Pakistan. It is also vital that media shows the true and positive image of Pakistan,” Ambassador Tirmizi said.

At the ceremony, services of people from various walks of life, including poets, comedians, businesspersons, sponsors, etc. were recognised and shields were presented to them by Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi and Pakistan Association Dubai President Faisal Ikram on behalf of PAD.