JEDDAH, 19 August — By dawn, on Thursday, children sporting bright clothes were seen waving Pakistani flags near Khozama Olympic Pools and Garden here. They had flocked the Khozama poolside to participate in the festivities  scheduled for the evening to mark Pakistan’s 54th Independence Day.

For the first time, Pakistanis, transcending political affiliations, had gathered here to commemorate the anniversary of their country’s independence with great patriotic fervor and enthusiasm, amid ceremonies and cultural celebrations. A raffle draw was also organized. A number of attractive gifts including two free air tickets and an air conditioner were offered as prizes.

Attendance of over 3,000 people including a large number of women and children, braving the humid weather, was a testimony to the program’s overwhelming success.

The funds for the evening was generated from within the community. In this regard the indifferent attitude of the country’s national carrier Pakistan International Airlines, which refused to give even a free ticket for the winner of the raffle drew flak from the organizers.

The function started with the address of Consul General Muhammad Nawaz Chaudhry who highlighted the achievements of the vibrant Pakistani community the world over. He said the Pak-Saudi cooperation, particularly in the economic field, would be stepped up in the coming year. The consul general said the relationship between the two countries has seen a new height in recent time. He also emphasized Pakistan’s role in the Muslim world.

While speaking about Pakistan’s nuclear blasts, the consul general said that though Pakistan is a peace-loving country, it had to show its nuclear prowess after nuclear explosions by its neighboring archrival. “It was necessitated by the nuclear blasts 8-10 days ago by our neighboring country which was harboring ill will against Pakistan. So it was necessary to send them a message that any misadventure against Pakistan would cost them dearly.

Children sang national anthem and also rendered a few patriotic songs. They were the most enthusiastic and spirited lot among the spectators.

One of the highlights of the evening was the performance of renowned Saudi singers Brig. (retd) Tariq Abdul Hakeem and Abu Siraj. The duo enthralled the gathering with the rendition of their songs in Urdu and Arabic praising Pakistan. They were also given plaques of appreciation by the consul general.

Another Saudi, and a budding Urdu poet Omar Saleem Al-Adroos also regaled the cheering crowd with a few of his couplets.

For the first time a Saudi sword dance was also performed by the community members on the stage.

A tableau by the tiny tots featuring dances of all four provinces of Pakistan showcasing their diverse culture but still having a bond of unity among them, drew laud appreciation from the audience.

Amir Muhammad Khan anchored the evening to its successful conclusion. The performers were supported by Asif on the keyboard and Atique on drum.

Girls also enjoyed every moment of the function, which was telecast live to the other side of the pool where arrangements were made for women and kids. “It was great and all my class friends were here. It was a great outing,” said one of the girls, Nahid Hameed. But some of them complained that though they had reached the place well in time there were no proper arrangements for them. One of the organizers, Amir Muhammad Khan said that “we were not expecting this much of attendance from women, that’s the reason of some discomfort to them.”

At the end of the day, the lucky draws were organized and a few lucky winners are coupon number 791 - one free Jeddah-Pakistan-Jeddah air ticket, coupon number 2307 wins free Umrah ticket originating from Pakistan, and coupon number 790 wins an air conditioner.

The winners can receive their prizes any day from Kababish Restaurant in Aziziyah District.