Muscat – For Pakistanis living in Oman, August 14 is more than a national celebration. It is a reminder of home, identity and belonging. While careers, families and dreams have taken root in Oman, connections with Pakistan remain alive through language, food, traditions, community ties and memories. As Pakistan marks its 80th Independence Day, members of the community share what the occasion means to them and how Oman has shaped their lives.

Shandar Bukhari

Advisor to Chairman, Overseas Pakistanis Foundation; Director Welfare, Pakistan Social Club

The Independence Day reminds me of the roots that shaped my identity. I was born and raised in Oman, but Pakistan lives within me through my family, heritage, traditions, language and the values passed down by my parents.

As a third-generation Pakistani in Oman, I believe patriotism is also about representing Pakistan with dignity, integrity and excellence wherever we live. I try to do that through service – helping Pakistanis in distress, assisting in reuniting prisoners with their families, supporting the repatriation of deceased compatriots and promoting a positive image of Pakistan abroad.

Oman is the land of my birth, while Pakistan is the homeland of my ancestors. Oman has allowed me to turn my commitment to community service into a lifelong mission. Its values of tolerance, compassion and peaceful coexistence have also profoundly influenced the person I have become.

Shakir Munir

Technical Director, Hockey Oman

Independence Day is a time of pride, gratitude and reflection for me. It reminds me of my responsibility to serve my country through my profession, uphold its values and contribute positively wherever I live.

Although I have spent nearly two decades in Oman, my connection with Pakistan remains strong through family, culture, traditions, community activities and regular visits home. Sport has also given me a special way of representing my roots.

Oman has been my second home and has played a major role in my professional and personal growth. Through Hockey Oman, I have been entrusted with responsibilities that allow me to contribute to the development of the sport, help organise major international tournaments and represent Oman internationally.

I am deeply grateful for the trust and opportunities I have received here. My journey has allowed me to pursue my passion while also contributing, in my own way, to stronger sporting links between Oman and Pakistan.

Syed Mujahid Naqvi

Ex-boxer

Every Independence Day gives me renewed hope and pride. It reminds me that our forefathers struggled for an independent Pakistan and that we have a responsibility to build our country with dignity, honour and determination.

I try to remain connected with my roots through charitable work whenever an opportunity arises. I may not be able to make a huge difference, but even if my contribution is only a drop in the sea, it gives me satisfaction to know that I have helped a fellow Pakistani or contributed in some small way to my country.

One of the biggest goals of my life has always been to earn ‘halal rizq’ for my children through honest work. Oman has given me that opportunity.

It has provided me with a fair environment where hard work is respected and where I have been able to grow professionally and build a secure life for my family. For that, I remain deeply thankful.

Shahnaz Arshad

Former Principal, Pakistan School Muscat and Pakistan School Buraimi

I believe living abroad should never mean losing touch with our roots. We can preserve our identity through the language we speak, the food we prepare, our family traditions and the occasions we celebrate.

At the same time, we should embrace the society in which we live. I have always believed in blending our Pakistani traditions with our life in Oman while respecting Omani culture, customs and values. Making friends within the wider community and participating in local life makes that experience richer.

Our roots give us identity, belonging and purpose. Passing them on to younger generations ensures they understand where they come from even if they grow up far from Pakistan.

Oman has given my family and me much to value – safety, good infrastructure, educational opportunities, healthcare and an environment where different communities live together peacefully.

For me, maintaining our Pakistani heritage while respecting and appreciating Oman is what makes expatriate life meaningful.

Azra Aleem

Actor and make-up artist

August 14 fills me with pride because it brings Pakistanis together regardless of where we live or which language or region we come from. It is a day to remember the sacrifices that gave us our country and to renew our hopes for its peace, progress and prosperity.

Living abroad has made me appreciate how strongly culture binds a community together. In Oman, we celebrate through national events, traditional food, patriotic songs, literary programmes and cultural activities.

I particularly value the efforts to keep Urdu language and literature alive. Pakistani schools help children learn to speak, read and write Urdu, while writers, poets and community organisations create opportunities to celebrate our heritage.

Oman has given us an environment in which we can express that identity openly and respectfully. Its multicultural society allows different communities to celebrate their national and cultural occasions in harmony.

Wherever we may live, our hearts remain connected to Pakistan, but Oman has become a second home where that connection can flourish.

Madeeha Amir

Businesswoman

Independence Day reminds me of our history, the sacrifices of our forefathers and the resilience that has shaped Pakistan. Living away from home has made those emotions even stronger because distance often makes us appreciate our identity more deeply.

I keep Pakistan close through our food, culture, traditions and family values. Food in particular has a special ability to recreate memories of home. Through my work and interaction with the Pakistani community, I also try to share our culture and ensure these traditions remain part of everyday life for the next generation.

Oman has given me the opportunity to turn my ambitions into reality. Building a business is never easy, but the experience has taught me resilience, patience, perseverance and the importance of believing in myself.

I am grateful for the supportive environment that has allowed me to build something of my own. I hope to continue growing, creating opportunities for others and contributing positively to the community that has given me so much.

Sami Sarang

Actor

Independence Day strengthens my sense of pride in being Pakistani and reminds me of the values of unity, faith and solidarity that define our national identity.

Although I have lived in Oman for 12 years, I have never felt completely removed from Pakistan. One reason is the physical closeness. A short flight between Muscat and Karachi means our families and homeland never feel too far away.

There is also a cultural familiarity that means a great deal to me. As a Balochi speaker, I often communicate in Balochi with Omanis, and that shared language creates an immediate sense of connection and belonging.

Oman is also where many of my dreams took shape. It gave me a platform to showcase my talent, develop professionally and become a very different person from the one who arrived here 12 years ago.

Above everything else, Oman has given my family peace and security. That combination of opportunity, familiarity and safety is why I genuinely consider it my second home.

Ambreen Liaquat

PhD candidate and Business Development Head

Celebrating Pakistan’s 80th Independence Day away from home makes me think about the generations that came before me. My grandparents migrated from eastern Punjab, and August 14 reminds me of the thread connecting their journey with mine.

I still remember putting ‘jhandiyan’ on the walls as a child. Those little paper flags once represented simple childhood excitement; today, they remind me of how far I have travelled and how close I still want to remain to my roots.

We keep Pakistan alive at home through community gatherings, national occasions and even small traditions such as Friday biryani.

Oman has also given me remarkable professional opportunities. I began working in media and cultural affairs at the Pakistan Embassy, engaged with Omani institutions on diaspora matters and helped highlight the contributions of Pakistani professionals and entrepreneurs. Later, I received a scholarship to pursue my PhD at Sultan Qaboos University.

Oman’s safety, stability and multicultural environment have allowed me to pursue my ambitions while continuing to serve and represent my community.