UAE assures role in easing Pak-India tensions

ISLAMABAD: First Vice-President of the UAE’s Federal National Council Dr Tariq Humaid Mattar Mohammad Al Tayer on Friday assured the visiting Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani that the UAE leadership “would leave no stone unturned” in playing a pivotal diplomatic role to normalise relations between Pakistan and India.

“In times of tension, the language of diplomacy must prevail. Wisdom must guide our actions for peace and prosperity in South Asia,” Dr Al Tayer remarked. He acknowledged that Kashmir remains a central issue and encouraged the continuation of efforts rooted in mutual respect, dialogue, and constructive engagement.

The Senate chairman met with Dr Tayer at the Al Majlis Alwatni Al Ittehadi in Dubai, where he was warmly received by Dr Al Tayer and members of the Federal National Council, says a message received from Dubai, according to the Senate of Pakistan.

Dr Al Tayer said the UAE values its strategic relations with both nations and was committed to fostering stability across the region.

During the meeting, he lauded the historical and brotherly relations between the UAE and Pakistan, underlining the shared desire to further expand bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of both the countries.

Chairman Gilani extended his deep appreciation to Dr Al Tayer for hosting the meeting on short notice and reaffirmed the profound historical, religious, and cultural ties between Pakistan and the UAE.

Highlighting that “diplomacy today is economy”, Gilani commended the UAE’s critical economic partnership with Pakistan, particularly in trade, investment, and development assistance. He expressed gratitude for the UAE’s steadfast support during key national challenges—floods, earthquakes, and counter-terrorism efforts—and acknowledged the 1.7 million-strong Pakistani diaspora as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship.

Gilani emphasised the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in shaping regional peace. He proposed the acceleration of parliamentary engagement through the Pakistan-UAE Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) where his counterpart, Deputy First Speaker iterated formalising cooperation via Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between the Senate of Pakistan and the Federal National Council of the UAE to institutionalise structured dialogue and deepen collaboration.

Turning to regional dynamics, Gilani reiterated that the UAE holds a vital position as a bridge between Pakistan and India. He encouraged the use of parliamentary and diplomatic channels to advance normalisation efforts and reaffirmed that enduring peace in South Asia rests on the resolution of Jammu and Kashmir issue.

Referring to the unilateral annulment of the Indus Waters Treaty by India, he said this act was a breach of trust that endangers regional water security. Speaking on recent developments, the Senate chairman reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability, which he said was essential for progress and prosperity.

The meeting was also attended by Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, senior diplomats from the Pakistan Mission, and members of the UAE’s Federal National Council.

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to expand inter-parliamentary coordination, pursue economic synergy, and promote shared goals of regional peace, prosperity, and diplomatic cooperation.