[PICTURES] Pakistan needs stronger ties with the UAE for economic sustainability

[FearlessRoar]

UAE president vows to boost ties in key sectors​

United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has expressed strong interest in collaborating with Pakistan in the mining, minerals and agriculture sectors.

During his visit to Rahim Yar Khan on Sunday, where he met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Al Nahyan lauded Pakistan's stabilising economy and its positive trajectory under the prime minister's leadership.

The UAE president noted that this renewed economic momentum had created opportunities for enhanced bilateral investment and cooperation, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

Al Nahyan was received at the Rahim Yar Khan airport by Prime Ministre Shehbaz, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other officials.

During the meeting, they discussed a wide range of issues, including economic collaboration, regional stability, climate change, and the promotion of mutual interests on the global stage. They pledged to deepen their economic, political, and cultural ties.

Prime Minister Shehbaz praised the UAE's visionary leadership and its role as a key partner for Pakistan in development and investment. He underscored Pakistan's readiness to expand cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, technology, trade, infrastructure and skills development.

In his remarks, the UAE president reiterated the UAE's commitment to enhancing its longstanding partnership with Pakistan, emphasising the importance of people-to-people contacts and shared prosperity.

Shehbaz extended his gratitude to Al Nahyan for the UAE's unwavering support during critical times, particularly for the humanitarian assistance and development aid.

Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to peace and progress in the region, vowing to work closely on matters of mutual interest. The meeting concluded with a joint resolve to foster greater cooperation, particularly in priority sectors, ensuring a brighter future for both nations.

The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; and Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan.

"Delighted to meet with my dear brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE, today in Rahimyar Khan," the prime minister later said in a post on X.

"Reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to further strengthen Pak-UAE cooperation and elevate our ties to a mutually beneficial strategic partnership. Matters of mutual interest including investments in Pakistan were discussed with a resolve to move forward together."

UAE president vows to boost ties in key sectors | The Express Tribune

UAE president vows to boost ties in key sectors

tribune.com.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

UAE president vows to boost ties in key sectors​

United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has expressed strong interest in collaborating with Pakistan in the mining, minerals and agriculture sectors.

During his visit to Rahim Yar Khan on Sunday, where he met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Al Nahyan lauded Pakistan's stabilising economy and its positive trajectory under the prime minister's leadership.

The UAE president noted that this renewed economic momentum had created opportunities for enhanced bilateral investment and cooperation, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

Al Nahyan was received at the Rahim Yar Khan airport by Prime Ministre Shehbaz, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other officials.

During the meeting, they discussed a wide range of issues, including economic collaboration, regional stability, climate change, and the promotion of mutual interests on the global stage. They pledged to deepen their economic, political, and cultural ties.

Prime Minister Shehbaz praised the UAE's visionary leadership and its role as a key partner for Pakistan in development and investment. He underscored Pakistan's readiness to expand cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, technology, trade, infrastructure and skills development.

In his remarks, the UAE president reiterated the UAE's commitment to enhancing its longstanding partnership with Pakistan, emphasising the importance of people-to-people contacts and shared prosperity.

Shehbaz extended his gratitude to Al Nahyan for the UAE's unwavering support during critical times, particularly for the humanitarian assistance and development aid.

Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to peace and progress in the region, vowing to work closely on matters of mutual interest. The meeting concluded with a joint resolve to foster greater cooperation, particularly in priority sectors, ensuring a brighter future for both nations.

The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; and Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan.

"Delighted to meet with my dear brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE, today in Rahimyar Khan," the prime minister later said in a post on X.

"Reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to further strengthen Pak-UAE cooperation and elevate our ties to a mutually beneficial strategic partnership. Matters of mutual interest including investments in Pakistan were discussed with a resolve to move forward together."

UAE president vows to boost ties in key sectors | The Express Tribune

UAE president vows to boost ties in key sectors

tribune.com.pk

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan share a light moment in a car while leaving the airport in Rahim Yar Khan.

Caption this image in your own word

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Just look at Shehbaz Sharif lol

 

[aboveandbeyond]

Just look at Shehbaz Sharif lol

 

[gani999]

The title of this thread says it all.
The fact that Pakistan requires another country for 'economic sustainability' should worry every Pakistani out there. Even more so if the country in question happens to be one like the UAE, which largely runs on Indian/Pakistani/Sri Lankan talent and labour..

 

[BouncerGuy]

UAE agrees to roll over payment of $2bn due by Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had agreed to roll over the payment of $2 billion due by Pakistan this month.

Securing external financing has previously been a key condition for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to approve the $7bn bailout deal for Pakistan.

Last year, friendly countries such as China, UAE, and Saudi Arabia had helped the country successfully clinch the IMF programme by providing timely confirmation of necessary financing assurances — with the IMF’s fund disbursement tied to debt rollover confirmation from these countries.

While talking to cabinet members today, the prime minister said he met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan while he was on a personal visit to Pakistan on Sunday.

“In a one-on-one meeting, he said…there is a $2 billion dollar repayment due and we are extending this,” the premier said.

“I asked for the UAE to invest a few billion dollars in key investment projects and that would be helpful.

“He (Nahyan) said the UAE was committed to this investment and the two countries share brotherly ties,” the premier added.

‘Have to approach IMF for electricity prices’

PM Shehbaz also said that the government will have to approach the IMF to reduce electricity prices in the country.

Under the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) signed in September last year, the global money lender has asked Pakistan to impose a substantial levy on gas supply to industrial captive power plants (CPPs) to eliminate any cost-benefit between the grid power and their in-house electricity generation.

The country has to deliver on one of the major structural benchmarks that required gas disconnections to CPPs by the end of January 2025 to qualify for disbursement of the second of the seven $1bn tranches in March. The two sides will meet for the first biannual review in the second half of February.

The premier said that the government will have to move forward as our home-grown economic plan — the National Economic Transformation Plan 2024-29 — had already been initiated.

“That is why I am calling a meeting — because until our electricity prices are not reduced, our industry, our exports, and our commerce cannot be successful,” he said.

The prime minister added that last week, the government held a meeting to discuss electricity price reductions — taking provinces and allies into account — and had finalised “two or three options”.

“We will have a comprehensive meeting to take those options forward so that our growth can be possible,” he said. “For that, we will have to go to the IMF.”

DAWN NEWS

 

[FearlessRoar]

‘No restriction on UAE work visas for Pakistanis,’ Senate committee informed

The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development was informed on Wednesday that there were “no restrictions on work visas” for Pakistanis travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Growing discontent among Middle Eastern states over the increased numbers of Pakistanis involved in begging has spurred authorities into action as they have started vigilant screening of passengers travelling to those destinations.

A senior Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) official told Dawn that immigration staff at airports have offloaded several passengers from flights in the last couple of months to discourage the trend.

On December 23, a Senate panel was informed that all Pakistani travellers to the UAE would need to be vetted and verified by the police. He added that travel agents were also instructed in this regard.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Committee Chairman Senator Zeeshan Khanzada said that there is “no restriction on UAE work visas” and added that if Pakistanis face issues getting a work visa, it would be forwarded to the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis.

However, Overseas Employment Promoter (OEP) Aisam Baig informed the committee that visas to the UAE had been “unofficially closed” with a 50 per cent decrease in the number of Pakistani workers travelling there.

OEPs facilitate labour to travel abroad for work.

“The UAE government had reservations that Pakistanis beg in the country, but they are on visit visas, not work visas,” Baig said.

Meanwhile, Secretary Arshad Mahmood stated that 90pc of the immigration sector was made up of private OEPs. He added that the UAE was only one country out of several that Pakistanis could travel to for employment.

“In our view, despite the decrease, Pakistanis will still travel in large numbers,” he said.

Bureau of Immigration Director General Muhammad Tayyab said that the trend of Pakistanis travelling to the UAE was increasing, with 64pc of labour being skilled workers.

“Currently, 46pc are going to the UAE construction sector and 38pc are going to work in the service sector,” he confirmed. “Around 20pc are going through OEPs, while 8pc of highly skilled workers like doctors are travelling on direct visas”.

Tayyab added that those travelling on a direct visa send back more foreign exchange. He also said that the UAE was accepting fewer people from other countries as well as Pakistan. “They are accepting fewer people from India and Bangladesh, too,” he stated. “It is not just about accepting fewer Pakistanis.”

PPP Senator Shahadat Awan asked whether police verification had been implemented on every visa to the UAE.

“Every country needs to verify credentials for work visas and each country has their own tests. The Higher Education Commission has also verified credentials,” Mahmood responded.

“Sending substandard people is working against us,” he stated.

Tayyab on the other hand said that the Bureau of Immigration can only speak to police verification of work visas, as visit visas do not fall under their remit. “Police verification is required for work visas,” he confirmed.

Baig elaborated on the process of police verification and said that according to the Pakistani ambassador, prospective foreign workers need to obtain a police character certificate. He hailed this requirement as a “good move”.

Mahmood asked, “What is the problem with UAE? Our people are going there and if demand increases, more people will go.”

The committee recommended that the Foreign Ministry look into the issue of visit visa restrictions.

‘No restriction on UAE work visas for Pakistanis,’ Senate committee informed

Committee recommends forwarding visit visa issues to foreign ministry.

www.dawn.com

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

The title of this thread says it all.
The fact that Pakistan requires another country for 'economic sustainability' should worry every Pakistani out there. Even more so if the country in question happens to be one like the UAE, which largely runs on Indian/Pakistani/Sri Lankan talent and labour..

The thread title is misleading. Actual article title is:

UAE president vows to boost ties in key sectors​

Although I would not trust this Pakistan administration to deliver on anything, on that I would agree with you.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Emirates to set up cargo hub at Karachi airport​

The United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s flag carrier Emirates Airline has decided to establish a cargo business hub at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport.

According to reports, Emirates has requested 90,000 square feet of space at the Karachi airport's cargo terminal. The decision to create a cargo hub in Karachi comes in response to the growing demand for cargo business.

Currently, Emirates handles the largest cargo business in Karachi, with over 27,000 tons of cargo transported from Karachi alone in 2024.

In contrast, due to lack of attention and proper planning, PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) was only able to handle 2,000 tons of cargo from Karachi in 2024.

Sources indicate that in response to Emirates’ request, the Airports Authority has started working on allocating space at the cargo terminal.

A month ago, Emirates officially launched its new travel store in Karachi, making it the airline's first experiential retail concept rolled out in West Asia.

The store was inaugurated by Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates' Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations, West Asia and Indian Ocean, in the presence of Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Bakheet Ateeq Al-Rumaithi, Consul General of the UAE in Karachi, who was also present at the event, highlighted the strong ties between the UAE and Pakistan.

Speaking about participation in the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Essa Sulaiman Ahmad said, "We are concentrating more on our own airline and do not look at buying any stake or carrier. We just spent $2 billion to retrofit our aircraft. We are definitely looking at our own growth."

Emirates moves to set up cargo hub at Karachi airport | The Express Tribune

The airline handles the largest cargo business in Karachi.

tribune.com.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

Pakistan, UAE sign five accords of cooperation in banking, mining

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday signed five accords to boost bilateral cooperation in different fields including banking, railways, mining and infrastructural investment.

The documents were signed during the first official visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan, at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The crown prince and the prime minister witnessed the ceremony as the officials from both sides exchanged the pre-signed documents of agreements and Memorandums of Understanding for cooperation in various fields.

Federal cabinet members and Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and members of the UAE delegation were also present.

Both countries signed an agreement to promote bilateral cooperation in the field of banking. Secretary Finance Imdadullah Bosal and CEO & MD of IHC Syed Basar Shueb exchanged the documents.

The two sides also signed another agreement to boost cooperation in the field of mining.

The CEO of Pakistan Railways Amir Ali Baloch and CEO Etihad Rail Shadi Malik exchanged the documents for two MOUs for cooperation in the field of railways.

Similarly, Secretary Board of Investment Nadeem Chaudhary and CEO AD Ports Capt. Muhammad Juma Al Shamisi exchanged the documents for an MoU in the field of infrastructural investment.

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today arrived in Islamabad on his first official visit to Pakistan, at the invitation of Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif.

As the crown prince landed at Nur Khan Airbase, he was received by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with cabinet members and senior diplomatic and government officials.

The venue was decorated with the flags of Pakistan and the UAE while a group of kids also welcomed the dignitary by waving the flags of both countries.

Earlier, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif during his official visit to Pakistan on Thursday and discussed matters of bilateral interest.

This was the first official visit of Sheikh Khalid to Pakistan, in his capacity as Crown Prince.

The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince while reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to further strengthen its historic and fraternal bonds between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. One on one meeting was followed by the delegation level talks.

Recalling his most productive meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE in Abu Dhabi earlier this month, the Prime Minister said that it was a matter of huge satisfaction that the two countries were now working more closely than ever before, to transform their excellent political ties into a mutually beneficial economic partnership.

The Prime Minister told that during his recent visit to Uzbekistan the project of Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Line was discussed and Uzbekistan showed keen interest in the project. He further said that the project will benefit the ports of Gwadar and Abu Dhabi and would prove to be a game changer for the whole region.

The Prime Minister lauded the U.A.E.’s consistent and strong support for Pakistan in various fields, including at difficult times. He deeply appreciated the keen interest shown by the U.A.E. in expanding its investment portfolio in Pakistan and remarked that the recent successful investment initiatives between various Pakistani entities and Abu Dhabi Ports were a shining example of this robust and ever-expanding cooperation.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, who was accompanied by a delegation comprising senior officials and business leaders, thanked the Prime Minister and reaffirmed the U.A.E.’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s economic development and prosperity.

On this occasion, both leaders also witnessed the exchange of several MoUs and agreements between the two sides. The MoUs/Agreements were signed in the fields of banking, mining, infrastructure development and railways.

Meanwhile in a post on X, the PM said, “Honoured to welcome HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, today. We held the most fruitful discussions and resolved to further strengthen our excellent bilateral ties, through enhanced trade, investment & energy cooperation. With the encouragement and support of the UAE’s Royal family, Pakistan-UAE ties are growing from strength to strength!”

Pakistan, UAE sign five accords of cooperation in banking, mining

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday signed five accords to boost bilateral cooperation in different fields including banking,

arynews.tv