Guests discuss UAE uplift at its 46th National Day reception

ISLAMABAD: The guests in 46th National Day of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reception hosted by Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Alzaabi on Saturday evening here at the Serena Hotel discussed the development made by the UAE under the leadership of President Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al-Maktoum in all walks of life.
It was the biggest reception of the year as new ambassador of the UAE received the guests with fair amount of warmth who was hosting very first reception of the National Day of his country. The political situation and law and order prevailing in the country was the favourite subject of the guests who termed three week long sit-in by a religious group as ‘nightmare’ and had a sigh of relief on its termination last week.
They were insisting that the government should expose those who brought about change in the declaration about finality of Prophet-hood without any reason in the election bill. The harsh address of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Quetta earlier in the day after his strong utterances in Abbottabad last month was also candidly discussed by the guests in various corners.
They were of the view that Nawaz Sharif is resolute to expose the elements behind his disqualification as he is fearlessly fighting his case in the masses. “Nawaz Sharif is fully prepared for the consequences, whatsoever, of his campaign, and he is on war-path. He isn’t mincing words in expressing his views. It shows that he has burnt the boats for attaining his motives.” The guests were apprehensive about the holding of the polls next year and terming it “impossible” while some guests were still insisting about setting up of a so-called national government through the courtesy of the judiciary.
They were indicating cracks in the line and thinking of the judiciary on the subject. Former caretaker Prime Minister Muhammad Mian Soomro and Dr Ishrat Hussain were being tipped for heading the national government. “The things will be shaped up during the month.”
The upcoming visit of the US Secretary Defence to Pakistan was also discussed by the guests who were of the opinion that the visiting dignitary will against ask for “Do-More”, but Pakistan shouldn’t budge to any pressure. The US Secretary shouldn’t be received by the prime minister and Army chief since it would be violation of the protocol.
“Pakistan must tell the visiting US Secretary in General Qamar Bajwa’s words that it is the time for the world to do-more,” the guests said. The ambassadors of Qatar and Iran were conspicuous with their absence in the reception.
Saudi Ambassador Admiral Nawwaf bin Said Al-Malki has just returned from the kingdom, and the guest kept on asking him about the missile attacks by Houthi rebellions on the Holy Land. They were concerned that such attacks could be resulted in catastrophic consequences, but at the same time, it was satisfying that the missile attacks were foiled by the Saudi forces. It shows their skill to defend the most sacred places of Islam.
Federal Minister for Water and Power Sardar Owais Ahmad Khan Leghari was the chief guest on the occasion who performed cake cutting after playing of the national anthems of the two brotherly countries. In his speech he reiterated resolve of the government to strengthen the ties with UAE in every sphere of life. Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Alzaabi, in his address threw light on the progress of his country ever-since it came into being way back in 1971. He also referred to the relationship between Pakistan and the UAE during these years. He reminded that Pakistan and UAE cooperated with each other whenever they need each other’s assistance at the hour of need.
He expressed hope that the ties would further strengthen down the line in years to come. National Security Adviser (NSA) to the Prime Minister General Nasser Khan Janjua, General Talat Masood, Dr Anwarul Haq, PTI leader Dr Shehzad Waseem, Abdullah Gul, Alama Tahir Ashrafi, Chaudhary Munir Ahmad and spokesman of the Foreign Office Dr Muhammad Faisal Chaudhry were among the prominent guests.
Some Arab youths displayed traditional Arab dance on the tune of their country’s music.