The country holds bright economic prospects because of its strategic location, abundant un-tapped natural resources and young population
Khalid Muhammad Al-Kaabi from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dubai Office (centre), Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal (left), and Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE Faisal Niaz Tirmizi at the Pakistan National Day reception in Dubai on April 30.
Pakistan is open for investment in key economic sectors to achieve target of $1 trillion economy by 20235 and has invited its global partners to explore trade and business opportunities in one of the best emerging markets in the region, top official says.
While addressing a reception to commemorate Pakistan’s National Day in Dubai on April 30, the government minister and a senior diplomat said Pakistan holds bright economic prospects because of its strategic location, abundant un-tapped natural resources and young population.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, outlined the Government of Pakistan’s ambitious economic vision under the Urran Pakistan initiative, aimed at transforming Pakistan into a $1 trillion economy by 2035.
In his keynote address, the minister also highlighted Pakistan’s young population, strategic location, untapped resources, and reforms that are positioning the country as a regional hub for trade, innovation and investment.
Khalid Muhammad Al-Kaabi, Ahsan Iqbal and Faisal Niaz Tirmizi cutting the cake at Pakistan National Day ceremony.
Khalid Muhammad Al-Kaabi, Ahsan Iqbal and Faisal Niaz Tirmizi cutting the cake at Pakistan National Day ceremony.
Khalid Muhammad Al-Kaabi from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dubai Office, was the chief guest at the reception hosted by the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai. Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE Faisal Niaz Tirmizi also attended the reception.
Resilient, diverse nation
Addressing the gathering, Consul General Hussain Muhammad highlighted the significance of the Pakistan Resolution as the foundation of a resilient, diverse, and forward-looking nation. He invited global partners to explore the vast opportunities available in Pakistan across key sectors such as energy, IT, agriculture, minerals and tourism.
The Consul General also emphasised the deep-rooted and historic ties between Pakistan and the UAE, acknowledging the visionary leadership of the UAE’s founding father late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He paid tribute to the over 1.7 million-strong Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, describing them as a vibrant bridge between the two nations, and expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership for their continued support and friendship.
The highlight of the opening ceremony was a cultural performance by school children dressed in traditional Pakistani and Emirati attire, who performed on the national anthems of both countries, symbolizing the enduring bond between Pakistan and the UAE. The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, senior officials of the UAE Government, Emirati nationals and a large number of Pakistani community members.
The Pakistani superstar Ahsan Kham, Momal Sheikh, under secretary IIMSAM Usman Khan, and performing children at the Pakistan National Day event.
The Pakistani superstar Ahsan Kham, Momal Sheikh, under secretary IIMSAM Usman Khan, and performing children at the Pakistan National Day event.
A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of the book ‘Sheikh Zayed: The Builder of the Nation’, recently launched in Abu Dhabi. Authored by Khan Zaman Saroor, a senior and long-standing member of the Pakistani community in the UAE, the book is a heartfelt tribute to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The audience was also shown a short video montage showcasing rare historical photographs of the leadership of Pakistan and the UAE, capturing key moments in the bilateral relationship dating back to the 1960s.
Pakistan Business Council Dubai
Ahsan Iqbal also met a delegation of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) Dubai in the presence of Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Hussain Muhammad and other senior officials of the Pakistan diplomatic Mission in the UAE.
Welcoming the Minister, Shabbir Merchant, Chairman of PBC Dubai, expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with the government. He commended the Government of Pakistan for organising the recent Overseas Convention in Islamabad, which saw active participation from the UAE-based business delegation.
Shabbir Merchant presenting a memento to Ahsan Iqbal.
Shabbir Merchant presenting a memento to Ahsan Iqbal.
Ambassador Tirmizi briefed the gathering on the Federal Minister’s recent high-level engagements in the UAE, including his meetings with Ahmed Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab, chairman of the Department of Government Enablement, Abu Dhabi; and Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti, secretary-general of the Executive Council of Dubai. He also thanked the Minister for visiting community school in Abu Dhabi and gracing the Pakistan Day Reception hosted by the Consulate General in Dubai.
Recalling his long-standing association with the Pakistan Business Council since 1998, the minister urged the Pakistani business community in the UAE to actively contribute to enhancing Pakistan’s exports and attracting foreign investment to support the country’s economic growth.
He emphasised that peace and harmony, political stability, continuity of policies, and commitment to reforms are critical for Pakistan’s long-term development. He also elaborated his government’s economic vision, Urran Pakistan aiming to achieve $ 1 trillion economy by 2025, which focuses on five key pillars. These include export-led growth, transition to a technology-driven economy, environmental sustainability and climate action, energy and infrastructure development, and inclusive growth rooted in equity, ethics, and empowerment.
Recognizing the valuable contributions of overseas Pakistanis through remittances, the minister stressed the need for improving the quality and facilities of community schools in the UAE to ensure provision of quality education. He also underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing consular services and assured that necessary steps would be taken to expand the premises of the Consulate General in Dubai.
The session concluded with an open and interactive dialogue, during which Ahsan Iqbal invited suggestions from the business community to inform policymaking and strengthen Pakistan-UAE economic ties.
Fuente: Khaleej Time
Published: 2 May 2025
