Pak-UAE resilient bond of friendship

The enduring friendship between Pakistan and the UAE, forged since Pakistan was the first to recognise the UAE’s independence in 1971, has evolved into a multifaceted partnership that spans trade, defense, and cultural exchange. 

This longstanding camaraderie finds its roots in the visionary leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a legacy continued by his son, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Defense cooperation has been a cornerstone of this relationship, dating back to 1968, pre-dating even the establishment of the UAE. Pakistani pilots played instrumental roles in the formation of the UAE Air Force, and the Pakistan Army provided training to Special Forces units in the Emirates. This early collaboration set the stage for a robust defense partnership that persists to this day.

Trade, a vital facet of the Pak-UAE relationship, has consistently flourished, with the UAE holding the position of Pakistan’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. In the fiscal year 2021-22, bilateral trade soared by 25.40 percent, reaching $10.60 billion. The positive trend continued in 2023, with trade figures surpassing $1 billion for the first two months, driven by significant exports in food and textiles.

Pakistani exports to the UAE include oil products, food products, vegetables, fruits, fish and their derivatives, synthetic textiles, embroidered fabrics and raw materials for making fabrics, cotton, and fresh and frozen meat. The UAE also exports goods worth billions of dollars to Pakistan, including crude oil, petroleum products, light equipment, heavy equipment, chemicals, dyes, gold, jewellery, and various materials for re-exporting.

A substantial contributor to this thriving relationship is the extensive Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, exceeding 1.8 million individuals engaged in diverse fields. Their presence not only reflects economic cooperation but also underscores the deep people-to-people ties rooted in shared faith and culture. Pakistanis consider the UAE their second home, fostering a sense of unity as they celebrate cultural and religious events together.

The Pakistani diaspora in UAE becomes a living testament to the shared values and cultural celebrations that bind the two nations. The sense of unity and belonging that Pakistanis feel in the UAE fosters a connection that transcends borders.

The UAE Pakistan Assistance Programme, UAE PAP, which was launched in 2011, aims to help the Pakistani people overcome the effects of destructive floods that hit their country in 2010. This project represents progress in supporting the development and stability of Pakistan.

Beyond economic and cultural realms, the Pak-UAE relationship extends into geopolitics. The UAE has consistently supported Pakistan in times of crisis, providing crucial aid during natural disasters and financial challenges. Notably, the UAE played a pivotal role at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), countering hostile propaganda and aiding Pakistan’s removal from the notorious grey list. A significant gesture was the generous financial support of $1 billion to avert Islamabad’s financial crisis and prevent economic collapse.

As both nations look towards the future, the signing of memorandums of understanding on investment cooperation heralds a new era of economic collaboration. The presence of Emirati companies in Pakistan and the exploration of new sectors further exemplify the commitment to mutual growth and prosperity.

More than 26 Emirati companies are currently operating in Pakistan and there are plans to explore new sectors to further develop the economic, commercial and investment ties between the two countries.

Pakistani entrepreneurs were among the first investors in the UAE, with more than 7,000 Pakistani enterprises officially registered in the nation. The UAE’s influence also extends to regional mediation. In the face of escalating tensions between Pakistan and India over Kashmir in 2020, the UAE engaged in backchannel communications with both nations, facilitating a truce in March 2021.

The most recent milestone in this enduring partnership was the signing of memorandums of understanding on investment cooperation, unlocking a potential “multi-billion dollars” in funding from the UAE. This reflects the commitment of both nations to further strengthen their economic ties.

The recent meeting between caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwaarul Haq Kakar and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi exemplifies the ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation. The recent meeting between Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi serves as a living embodiment of the ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation. It is not just a diplomatic exchange; it is a reaffirmation of a friendship that has weathered challenges and grown stronger with each passing chapter. The enduring bond between Pakistan and the UAE stands out as a testament to the power of shared history, strategic collaboration, and mutual respect. What began as a diplomatic gesture with Pakistan being the first to recognise the UAE’s independence in 1971 has evolved into a dynamic and multifaceted partnership that spans the realms of defense, trade, culture, and diplomacy.

The story of Pakistan and the UAE is one of resilience, shared aspirations, and a future marked by even greater collaboration on the global stage.