Pakistan cities to be developed on digital Dubai model: Zulfi Bukhari

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Syed Zulfikar Abbas Bukhari Tuesday said Pakistan would bring its major cities at par with developed countries following the digital Dubai model.

He sought the assistance of United Arab Emirates in this regard during an International Conference “Forging Cordial Relations between Pakistan and UAE through mutual Cooperation for Peace & Security of the Region” arranged here by Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS).

"Smart Dubai is a project that Pakistan is looking forward to implement in our country’s major cities," Zulfikar Bukahri resolved.

As the institutions of both countries had strong cooperation, Pakistan was learning from the UAE in digital technologies domain, he added.

Smart Dubai was the government office charged with facilitating Dubai’s citywide smart transformation, to empower, deliver and promote an efficient, seamless, safe and impactful city experience for residents and visitors in collaboration with private sectors.

On the occasion, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Al zaabi, said that three high level visits of Pakistani side in the past five months had cemented both countries ties.

He appreciated the efforts of both states for enhancement and revival of the relations between the two brotherly countries.

Former Ambassador of Pakistan to UAE Asif Durrani said that his country was eyeing for adopting corporate culture of UAE to curb money laundering activities here.

President, Global Think Tank Network (GTTN), Aamir Hashmi Islamabad sharing his views on economic progress achieved by UAE and forthcoming Dubai Expo 2020. He said that being an impressive hub of global economic activity, UAE’s credentials were all set to be boosted further as leading investors and Dubai won the distinction of host of World Expo 2020, an event which held after every 5 years.

Zulfikar Bukhari also assured the UAE side for Pakistan’s full support to arrange Expo 2020.

Manager Business Development Commercial Department, DP World, UAE Mohammad Sulaiman Al Suwaidi apprised the audience about ease of doing business in UAE. He underscored that necessary steps must be taken to enhance global trade and foreign direct investment in the country.

Dubai has been a successful model for past 40 years, which Pakistan could follow for economic prosperity, he added.

President Emirates Policy Center, UAE Dr. Ebtesam al-Ketbi highlighted UAE’s foreign policy Initiatives and its contribution towards war on terror.

Nowadays, the concept of extremism and terrorism was often related to Islam, which was unfair adding that terrorism should not be linked with religion.

The history showed that extremist attempts were not related to any religion, thus it was incorrect to relate extremism with any religion, she remarked.

During the Conference, several documentaries were also screened highlighting UAE’s economic progress and wild life initiatives.

Approximately 400 people including diplomats, representatives of public and private sector attended the event.