Pakistanis have played a key role in UAE’s boom
The cultural, economic and historical bonds between Pakistan and the UAE have become deeper over the years
Aclose friend in Emaar Properties, the builders of Burj Khalifa, has told me that upon the completion of the project in 2009, he looked at the top of the Burj where he saw a Pakistani worker waving joyfully after finishing his work on the world’s tallest skyscraper. In many ways this story reflects the pivotal role played by our skilful Pakistani brothers in not only the structural and economic development but also the boom witnessed by the UAE during the last five decades.
This also reminded me of my first visit as a child to my family doctor — a proficient Pakistani physician. I went along with my mother. The doctor impressed me with his friendly approach and effective treatment, leaving a lasting impression on me. Since then, I have met many Pakistani brothers who have extended their precious expertise in the development and prosperity of the UAE.
During his meeting this January (where I was present) with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, in Islamabad, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, told Khan that when he accompanied the Late Shaikh Zayed on a private visit to Pakistan in 1966 (as a five year old), he believed that there were only two countries in world — UAE and Pakistan. This reveals that Pakistan was the preferred destination for the Late Shaikh Zayed. And to be frank this belief never came accidentally. It has its reasons.
Second home
The bonds between the two nations have a historical and cultural link and the relationship between the two brotherly peoples dates far back.
The shores on both sides of Arabian Sea, the deserts, dunes and weather conditions shaped a similar culture and common destiny for both nations.
Our history reveals many intra-cultural, trade exchanges and travels. It was against this backdrop that the founding father of the UAE always preferred Pakistan as his second home. Even before the establishment of the UAE, he visited Pakistan many times along with other Shaikhs and companions.
These interactions resulted in Pakistan being the first country to recognise the UAE as a country in 1971.
Eventually the Pakistani Diaspora played an important role in establishing and building many institutions of UAE.
Emirates, which is now one of the world’s leading airlines, is an example of the above role. As PIA provided technical and administrative assistance to the new carrier and leased a new Boeing 737—300 and an Airbus A300B4-200, (I was delighted to receive Capt. Rtd. Fazl Ghani Mian, the pilot who lead the Emirates’ launch flight from Dubai to Karachi on October 25, 1985, in my office last month).
The talented people of Pakistan are also involved in military training, banking sectors, infrastructure development, transport and many other essential fields, drawing prominent lines in the beautiful and prosperous picture of my beloved homeland.
Pakistanis remain the pivotal contributors in UAE’s development and with 1.6 million Pakistanis living peacefully and with respect as second largest foreigner community in the country, they are actively involved in the country’s business, investment and services sectors. Moreover, their contributions to Pakistan’s economy is huge as the UAE is considered the second largest source of remittances to Pakistan for last many years consistently, according to financial sources.
These contributions have helped in evolving a close friendship between the UAE and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Consequently, the UAE has become one of the largest foreign direct investors with its huge investments in the fields of oil refinery, telecommunication, banking, aviation and property development in Pakistan. The UAE also remains committed to assist Pakistan in its economic stability and human development.
Beside its financial assistance, the UAE also established many humanitarian and development programmes for the brotherly people of Pakistan, built many landmark hospitals, colleges, schools, roads, bridges, airports, housing projects, water supply schemes and seasonal and emergency relief programmes in various provinces and areas of Pakistan.