Join in the celebration to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day
On 14th August, Pakistanis around the world will celebrate their country’s Independence Day. The momentous occasion was sealed in 1947 following the end of British rule in the region.
There’s an estimated 1.25 million Pakistani residents in the UAE – making them the second highest expat population here. So what do they miss about home and how are they planning to celebrate the special day?
Eva Baker, 22.
“I miss the shopping and street food. Independence Day to me means celebrating my identity as a Pakistani. I’ve lived here in the UAE most of my life but I remember my parents dressing me up in our ethnic clothes – salwar and kamees – and colourful bangles. We would recite national poetry in school and watch fireworks.”
Faisal Saleem, 40.
“I’ve been in Abu Dhabi for nine months and I miss a lot of things – the streets, my family, my wife and my daughters. I’m proud that my country achieved independence and that we’re free to follow our own will. I will mark the day with my friends and cut a cake to celebrate.”
Kiran Siddiqui, 37.
“I miss the streets of Karachi, shopping from Gulf Market and making pakoras at home after a heavy rain. In Pakistan, I used to celebrate Independence Day with my family; we decorate our home with paper flags while listening to patriotic songs on TV.”
Lorenzo Wayers, 31.
“I miss the conversations with random uncles at bazaars or even at beauty salons where you talk about family history in minutes. Independence Day is an important event to remind myself about the people who sacrificed their lives. I’ll be with family and friends, having a barbecue and sharing the history and culture of Pakistan with my foreign friends.”
Chicken Jalfrezi
This popular curry is best served with naan, chapatti or basmati rice.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut in half
- 3 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 3 teaspoons ground cumin
- 3 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- ½ cup cilantro leaves, chopped
Method:
- Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic, and cook for about two minutes.
- Add the chicken, and season with turmeric, chili powder and salt. Fry gently, scraping the bottom of the pan frequently and turning
- the chicken.
- Add the tomatoes, cover the pan, and simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes. Uncover and simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Add the ghee, cumin, coriander, ginger and cilantro, and simmer for another five to seven minutes.
- Serve with cooked rice or bread.
Taste of home
Explore Pakistani culture through cuisine at these local spots:
- Masala - Sheikh Zayed the First Street. Contact: 02 633 7748.
- Student Biryani - Corner of Liwa and Khalifa Street, Al Markaziya. Contact: 02 622 2898.
- Karachi City Restaurant - Behind Eldorado Cinema, Al Danah.
- Contact: 02 677 6055.
Infobox
Connect with Pakistanis and stay up to date with events and activities:
Embassy of Pakistan - www.pakistanembassyuae.org
Pakistan Family Club Abu Dhabi - www.facebook.com/groups/PakistanFamilyClub/
Pakistan Community Portal UAE - Search for Pakistan Community Portal UAE on Facebook
