ISLAMABAD: In an unexpected turn of events, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif flew into Rahim Yar Khan on Tuesday for a high-stakes meeting with the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The UAE leader, known for his influential role in Middle Eastern affairs, is currently in Pakistan on a hunting expedition, staying at the opulent Zayed Palace in Rahim Yar Khan since Friday last.
The hunting trip, which centres around the elusive and highly-prized Hubara bustard – a bird that calls this district home – has provided a backdrop for what is becoming a crucial diplomatic encounter between the two countries.
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Sheikh Al Nahyan’s choice of location for this meeting speaks volumes about the strong ties between Pakistan and the UAE.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting between Sharif and Sheikh Al Nahyan was held in an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect.
Accompanied by a powerhouse delegation including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Ata Tarar, and key cabinet members, Sharif continued the dialogue initiated during the UAE President’s official visit earlier this week.
However, Tuesday’s discussions took the stakes to a new level. Prime Minister Sharif passionately outlined Pakistan’s ambitions to elevate its relationship with the UAE to a “strategic, mutually beneficial economic partnership,” with an emphasis on dramatically expanding bilateral trade.
Pakistan’s economic future, according to Sharif, hinges on such partnerships, especially with a nation like the UAE, which has positioned itself as a regional powerhouse.
The two leaders delved deep into areas of collaboration – from cutting-edge information technology and energy, to mining and defence– setting the stage for a new era of bilateral cooperation.
Sharif didn’t hesitate to compliment the UAE’s meteoric rise, singling out Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s “visionary” leadership as the driving force behind the UAE’s impressive transformation.
“On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I extend our deepest gratitude to His Highness for his unflinching dedication to the strong ties that bind our nations,” Sharif remarked, acknowledging the significant contributions of over 2.1 million Pakistanis who call the UAE home.
Their economic and cultural role, the prime minister emphasised, has been indispensable in nurturing the bond between the two nations.
This highly anticipated meeting comes at a time when Pakistan and the UAE have been ramping up diplomatic exchanges, signalling an unbreakable commitment to expanding their cooperation.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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