5 June 2012

Lord Salisbury put together a remarkable jubilee celebration of 1,000 boats on River Thames beating the previous record of 327 boats in Germany.

The 86-year-old woman and 90-year-old man stood for over four hours in cold and wet conditions being watched by millions around the world. This is the character of British. Queen displayed that tenacity and dedication to duty.

There were seats available where she could sit. But then she may not have been visible to all. By 6pm Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip looked tired. 
During this entire episode she went down only once 
to powder her nose. Prince Philip at 90 also held on 
pretty well.

I admire the Queen and her devotion to duty. I was a commonwealth student in 60s in England. She was new to throne. I was from Pakistan and trained with UK Royal Air Force in my 20s. I remember at my graduation dinner I spoke on behalf of commonwealth students. Commonwealth since then is ingrained in my brain. I feel a part of Britannia.

A few days back I wrote to British media about an incident that I encountered during Haj about 30 years back. I saw a British of Pakistani origin in a wheel chair in deep thoughts and tears flowing at the Holy Kaaba.

I asked him what the matter was. He said he was on Haj 
to pray for the long life of 
Queen in whose reign he had been treated from a terrible disease. He got free treatment, wheel chair, and his family given stipend, as it happens in a welfare state.

This jubilee pageant was financed by the people.
Bollywood: Along with London Philharmonic Orchestra, and Scottish pipe bands was Bollywood and Punjabi Dhol.

In the 1000 boats were the flags of South Asia: India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The pageant is a living lesson of history, of Second World War, of Dunkirk, of role of London Bridge, of British naval empire.
It was a great tourist advertisement. Rule Britannia and national anthem were an occasion when the royal family showed emotions by swaying a little and singing along.

Prince Harry seemed to be friendlier with Kate Middleton than Prince William. A million masses stood in bitter cold and wet weather, as did her majesty.

The Magnificent Seven along with Princess Anne were at hand to give Queen the family support.
It was an amazing experience even from home.
Kanwar Hayat, by email

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• Congratulations to Queen Elizabeth for completing 
60 years of reign. This is a momentous achievement in the tumultuous times, the world has been through in the last six decades. The Queen has conducted herself with great aplomb and style all these years.

She has shown exemplary character and courage, even when her country or her family were going through tough times. She is one of the most admired personalities of our times and is fittingly held in high esteem across the globe.

She has developed the skill of being highly involved in public affairs, whilst maintaining a certain distance and detachment. Britain should be proud of its wonderful Queen.

5 June 2012

I know of many people, especially the blue-collar workers, who took up Dubai residency. It means all who physically live and work in Dubai irrespective of where their resident visas were stamped like Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Sharjah etc.

Dubai has a large number of such expatriate workers and those who have missed the deadline on account of such an innocent misunderstanding deserve sympathy as the penalty is heavy and they can ill afford it.

Could the EIDA allow a final extension of 60 days across all emirates, please?

Mohammad Hamza, Dubai

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• Announcing that visa 
holders from Sharjah and 
Abu Dhabi are also entitled to benefit from the one-month 
extension in Emirates identity card registration process 
should clear the ambiguity. 
This will help a large number 
of people, who missed the previous deadline.