UAE, Pakistan forge strategic partnership to modernize governance

The United Arab Emirates and Pakistan have launched a strategic partnership aimed at transforming government operations, marking a significant step forward in bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its historic ties with the UAE and broadening cooperation across key sectors.

He expressed Pakistan’s interest in drawing inspiration from the UAE’s globally recognized governance practices, which have made it a leader in administrative innovation, according to WAM.

Speaking during a meeting with a high-level UAE delegation in Islamabad, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted recent reforms in Pakistan, including strides in digital governance, paperless economic systems, and the adoption of identity-less customs procedures. He stressed Pakistan’s eagerness to replicate successful UAE models to strengthen data-driven decision-making and foster good governance.

The UAE delegation included Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, and Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan.

Sharif also reflected on his recent visit to Abu Dhabi and his meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, describing it as highly productive. He praised the UAE’s continued developmental support and strategic engagement in Pakistan.

After the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that formalized the UAE-Pakistan strategic partnership focused on government modernization.

The MoU was signed by Abdulla Lootah and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal.

The scope of the partnership spans several critical areas: good governance, development planning, public sector reform, human capital development, urban planning, and advancements in science and technology. The agreement aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, build institutional capacity, and implement flexible, modern government systems.

Lootah noted that the partnership reflects a shared vision between the UAE and Pakistan to elevate cooperation in public sector excellence.

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Minister Ahsan Iqbal held meetings with the UAE delegation. The discussions, which also included Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, centered on enhancing bilateral ties, especially in governance, institutional development, and innovation within the public sector.