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The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is celebrating its 73rd Independence Day today with the local community planning a variety of events to mark the occasion.
Since gaining its sovereignty in 1947, Pakistan-Bahrain ties have been deep, albeit sometimes controversial, with the employment of nearly 10,000 Pakistani nationals in Bahrain’s security forces. The visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Pakistan reciprocated by the Prime Minister of Pakistan has paved the way for strong cordial ties.
The large and vibrant community of more than 120,000 also maintains two schools, the Pakistan School and the Pakistan Urdu School, and runs the Pakistan Club as a recreational and entertainment hub for the local expat society.
Imran Ali, marketing manager of Al Haddad Motors, said: “Pakistan has close cultural ties with Bahrain. There are lots of Pakistanis here and lots of Pakistani-Bahrainis, myself included. Our family has been here for over a hundred years. Usually, I spend Independence Day here but this will be my second Independence Day spent in Pakistan. Lots of Pakistani expats, especially in the Riffa area, show their pride with Pakistan and Bahrain flags mounted on their cars. August 14 is an exciting day to be Pakistani in Bahrain.”
Celebrations were already afoot with a grand musical event held earlier in the week at the Pakistan Club featuring local and Pakistani artists and observing 71 years of the club’s existence.
The Pakistan Embassy hosted a flag hoisting ceremony this morning at 7:30am at its premises, followed by the flag hoisting at the Pakistan Embassy at 9:30am. This included the national anthem as well as cultural songs, followed by a traditional halwa-puri breakfast.
This evening, there is a special cake cutting ceremony planned at the All Pakistani Overseas Organization (commonly known as APOO World) at 7pm.
