The Pakistani community in Bahrain is a large and vibrant community, closely connected with our Bahraini brethren,” said Pakistan Club chairman Rehan Ahmed.
“We share similar beliefs, culture, traditions, religion and social norms.
“Pakistani community members have been living in the country since past many decades.
“The Kingdom of Bahrain is not a foreign country to us but an equal homeland to over 120,000 Pakistani people.
“This can be gauged from the fact that soon after the emergence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in August 1947, the foundation of the Pakistan Club in Bahrain was made in February 1948.
“At the Pakistan Club, the Pakistani community is commemorating the 48th Bahrain National Day celebrations with great fervour and enthusiasm.
“Like previous years, the community has lined up impressive programmes to celebrate the Bahrain National Day on December 16 and His Majesty King Hamad’s Accession Day to the throne on December 17.
“As a continued tradition, the Pakistani community will host a cake-cutting ceremony at an impressive event in Pakistan Club and various other locations, where the chairman and board members of Pakistan Club will be present marking the National Day of Bahrain.
“This year, we are feeling proud that Prime Minister Imran Khan will be the state guest in the kingdom and will attend all official Bahrain National Day ceremonies.
“The Prime Minister’s presence has invigorated the enthusiasm and energy among the cross-section of the Pakistani community.
“Pakistan Club is organising a mega event of celebrations inviting key Pakistani figures and a popular folk singer from Pakistan to perform at the august gathering.
“The programme will include national anthem of our two countries, cultural and traditional songs, dances and tableau by Pakistan School children.
“The programme is organised to pay tribute to the people and the leadership of the Kingdom of Bahrain on this auspicious occasion.
“In addition, several other programmes have been planned to mark the Bahrain National Day which includes motor bike and car rallies originating from Manama and ending at Pakistan Club where the participants of the rallies will be welcomed by the board and community members.
“The community will also hold separate programmes in other areas of the country, at industrial locations, national parks, entertainment areas, residential and commercial complexes and labour accommodations in Manama, Sitra, Muharraq and Riffa to keep the momentum of celebrations on till the end of the month showing our deep love and affection towards the Bahraini leadership and its people and signifying the dynamic role of His Majesty King Hamad to this beautiful country and friendly people of Bahrain.
“The Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Kingdom of Bahrain enjoy cordial ties with similar views on bilateral, regional and international issues and the historic landmark visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan has paved the way for further strengthening the already existing cordial ties between the two brotherly countries.
“The visit will mark a new era of our bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
“I am confident that the mutually-beneficial co-operation between our two countries will continue to deepen and expand in the years to come.
“On behalf of the Pakistan Club and its members, it gives me immense pleasure to extend warm greetings and felicitations to His Majesty King Hamad, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, and to the brotherly people of Bahrain on the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Bahrain.”