Pakistani expats upset over ‘upside-down’ flag
dubai — The Pakistani flag that was displayed on the Burj Khalifa on Friday has ruffled feathers, with some Pakistani expats claiming it has been presented “upside down”.
The Pakistan Association in Dubai (PAD) has told Khaleej Times they’re sending a complaint letter to Emaar — the developer of the Burj Khalifa — as they’ve been inundated with calls from expats.
The event took place two days after Pakistan’s Independence Day. Thousands of people turned up to see the Pakistani flag, as well as the Indian flag that was displayed on the same night.
The PAD also tweeted the next day: “Dear @BurjKhalifa @emaardubai, please look at the placement of the flag. Yesterday’s portrayal of the flag has hurt the sentiments of many Pakistanis. This is not how flag is represented.”
Zaim Mohammed, vice-president at the PAD, told KT: “We started getting calls in the morning that the flag was not done properly. In 2017, it was done correctly. The crescent should be facing upwards. We are sending an official letter to Emaar about this because we are the voice of the Pakistani community and we need to raise these issues.”
The flag, however, was displayed in this same manner in March this year, as well as last year.
In 2017, the flag’s white strip appeared at the bottom part of the Burj Khalifa, while the remaining body was green, with the crescent facing upwards.
KT obtained a copy of the letter that the PAD sent to Emaar. It said: “This is with great regret to inform you that the Pakistani community is deeply saddened by the Pakistani flag lighted upside down on Burj Khalifa on 16-8-2019. Burj Khalifa has been lit up with the Pakistan flag earlier, and it was always placed in a correct manner.
“We as a community feel very privileged about it. This year something went wrong with the positioning and it has hurt the sentiments of the 1.5million Pakistanis residing in the United Arab Emirates. We politely urge you to please look into the matter on an urgent basis and rectify the error.”
Some Twitter users said a flag displayed upside-down means a country is in “distress”.
Netizen Umair Khan tweeted: “Flag is indeed upside down. Should have done it with respect, whether it is Pakistan or India Flag.”
Khaleej Times contacted Emaar and the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai for this story but did not receive a comment as of Press time.
Dear @BurjKhalifa @ emaardubai, please look at the placement of the flag. Yesterday’s portrayal of the flag has hurt the sentiments of many Pakistanis. PakAssociation Dubai @dubai_pad