Pakistan reaffirms commitment to deepening ties with UAE, praises role of diaspora

Pakistan reiterated its commitment to strengthening relations with the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, as senior officials discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation on the sidelines of a regional diplomatic conference in Islamabad.

Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE, Shafqat Ali Khan, called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar during the Regional Envoys' Conference. The meeting was confirmed by Pakistan's Foreign Office.

How strong are Pakistan-UAE ties right now?

Pakistan-UAE ties remain strong across diplomatic, economic and people-to-people dimensions, with both sides continuing to deepen engagement.

Dar reaffirmed Islamabad's commitment to the long-standing partnership during Tuesday's meeting, stressing the need to expand cooperation across diverse sectors. Pakistan's Foreign Office has also recently dismissed speculation of any strain in the relationship, describing bilateral relations as "absolutely fine."

What did Ishaq Dar say about Pakistan-UAE relations?

Dar stressed the importance of further expanding bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE across a range of areas.

He acknowledged the "constructive role" played by the Pakistani community in the UAE in strengthening bilateral goodwill and supporting economic ties between the two countries. He also directed that greater facilitation measures be ensured for overseas Pakistanis residing in the UAE.

The deputy prime minister emphasized the need to enhance people-to-people contacts to further strengthen the bilateral relationship. The meeting covered both the diplomatic and diaspora dimensions of Pakistan's engagement with the Gulf state. The UAE remains one of Pakistan's largest trading partners in the Middle East, with agreements totaling over several billion dollars focused on infrastructure, railways and economic zones.

What role does the Pakistani diaspora play in UAE-Pakistan relations?

The Pakistani community in the UAE has long been recognized as a core driver of the bilateral relationship, contributing significantly through remittances and business activity. Pakistan's envoy to the UAE, Shafqat Ali Khan, has previously described the ties between the two countries as "unshakeable," highlighting 50 years of strategic partnership and the diaspora's central role.

Pakistani leadership has consistently urged the diaspora to use formal remittance channels to support national currency reserves.

The Regional Envoys' Conference in Islamabad brought together Pakistani diplomatic representatives for consultations on regional and bilateral engagement strategies.

Tuesday's meeting between Dar and Ambassador Khan formed part of that broader diplomatic review. Pakistan has been actively reinforcing its Gulf relationships as part of a wider foreign policy push that includes economic diplomacy and overseas Pakistani welfare.