Friday, 29 March 2024, 01:15:18 pm

Analysts hail deep rooted bond of friendship between Pakistan, UAE
May 13, 2022

Dr. Rasheed Ahmed Khan (IR Expert): The world is well aware of the glorious history of Pak-UAE relations. The history stands witness to the support both nations have extended to each other in thick and thin. Despite a huge geographical distance between them, the unity of Islam symbolizes the ties between both the nations. Pakistan was one of the first countries in the world to extend recognition to the newly born union named United Arab Emirates. The UAE is also hosting 1.7 million Pakistanis with honour and dignity who are not only a bridge between the two countries but also pride of Pakistan. The UAE has extended generous humanitarian assistance, support for better health and education to Pakistan whenever required. The founder of UAE Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was keen to give an impetus to the bilateral relations between the two countries from the very beginning. It was further strengthened and patronized by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and UAE in various fields is increasing with particular focus on accelerating cooperation and building partnerships in areas encompassing investments, economic development, energy, infrastructure and agriculture. The death of UAE’s President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a big loss as the country has lost a visionary leader.

Shahid Amin (Former Ambassador): Pakistan and United Arab Emirates have been enjoying strong bilateral relations since UAE came into being in 1971. The founder of UAE, H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan was keen to strengthen its relations with Pakistan. The people of UAE stood with the government of Pakistan in every critical time and likewise Islamabad also supported the UAE in different fields of life. Moreover, the strings of brotherhood are deeply entrenched in the economic structure of both nations. The UAE has become a hub of investment, exports, technologies, tourism and renewable energies and a large number of Pakistanis are contributing to the UAE’s economic boom. In Pakistan, UAE surely has encouraged investment and helped in greater trade and commerce activities. UAE is one of the largest investors in Pakistan but bilateral trade has been steadily growing over the years and people-to-people contacts are constantly on the increase. 

Humayun Iqbal Shami (Chairman, Pakistan Economic Forum): The Sustainable Development Goals, UN Agenda for 2030 is an important issue to be highlighted, as UN is monitoring the plans and policies as well as the progress of every country against these targets. It is said that India, Bangladesh, China and other regional countries are simultaneously working and developing new policies to achieve these goals. Whereas, Pakistan earlier, in the tenure of PML-N was working for SDGs, but after that no other government has done anything in this regard. Pakistan has the adequate financial condition to come up with good plans and policies to achieve these goals, but sadly our leaders are not found interested in this agenda. Even the UNDP report highlights that the interregional inequality in Pakistan has increased which indicates that the highest level of human development is in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig (Economist): The social sector development index in Pakistan has shown a positive trend. Certain initiatives of Pakistan including Ehsaas program, BISP, Health Card, Kamyab Jawan program and others have been appreciated by UNDP and other world organizations. These programs were directly targeted to provide relief to vulnerable segments of the society. The programs helped in poverty alleviation and employment. Even during the COVID pandemic, the smart lockdown strategy of the government was hailed across the globe. This was the reason Pakistan was less affected by the global economic recession. The exports increased as industries were not closed and Pakistan dispatched its supplies to other countries even on higher freight rates. There are still certain areas to be improved but we should not be idealistic and keep the ground realities in mind.