Pakistanis residing in Dubai and the northern emirates of the UAE have been advised to renew their passports and National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) cards online to save time and avoid hassle. Hussain Muhammad, the consul general of Pakistan in Dubai, emphasized the importance of online renewal during the country’s 77th Independence Day celebrations. A large number of the 1.7 million Pakistanis living in the UAE are based in the northern emirates, and many travel from Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and others to Dubai for passport and ID renewals.
The consulate faces a capacity constraint with around 900 daily visitors for passports and up to 400 for ID renewals. Muhammad urged Pakistanis to utilize the online renewal services available to them, which can be completed in just 5 to 10 minutes from the comfort of their homes. This would alleviate the burden on the mission and allow for smoother processing of renewals. Complete guidelines are available for online renewals, and Muhammad stressed the importance of avoiding unnecessary visits to the consulate for these services.
Independence Day celebrations at the consulate and embassy involved flag hoisting ceremonies, special messages from President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, national songs, and a cake-cutting ceremony. In Abu Dhabi, school children performed Pakistan’s national songs during the ceremony. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, the ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, highlighted the need for unity, faith, and discipline in pursuing collective efforts towards Pakistan’s socio-economic progress. He encouraged community members to play an active role in the country’s development.
More than 10,000 individuals came together at the Dubai World Trade Centre on August 11 to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day. The ambassador recognized the Pakistani community’s contributions to the development of the UAE and their support to the national economy through remittances. The event showcased a sense of unity and patriotism among Pakistanis living in the UAE, emphasizing the importance of staying connected to their roots and celebrating their country’s independence.
By utilizing online renewal services for passports and ID cards, Pakistani residents in Dubai and the northern emirates can streamline the process and avoid unnecessary visits to the consulate. This not only saves time for individuals but also alleviates the burden on the mission, allowing for more efficient processing of renewals. The availability of complete guidelines for online renewals and the ease of the process emphasizes the convenience and accessibility of these services to the Pakistani community in the UAE.
Overall, the Independence Day celebrations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi served as a platform to unite the Pakistani community and celebrate their heritage and patriotism. The messages of unity, faith, and discipline resonated with attendees, highlighting the importance of collective efforts towards Pakistan’s progress. The event also recognized the valuable contributions of Pakistanis to the UAE’s development and economy, fostering a sense of pride and camaraderie among the community members. Through these celebrations and ongoing efforts, Pakistani residents in the UAE can continue to strengthen their bonds with their homeland and contribute positively to both countries.
