Dubai, UAE – 2 May 2025 — Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, met with a high-level delegation of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) Dubai today, marking a key step in strengthening Pakistan’s economic ties with the UAE. The meeting, which also saw the participation of Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Consul General Hussain Muhammad, and other senior diplomatic officials, aimed to enhance Pakistan’s export prospects and attract foreign investment.
Shabbir Merchant, Chairman of the PBC Dubai, warmly welcomed the Minister and expressed his gratitude for the chance to interact directly with the government. He also praised the Overseas Convention held in Islamabad, which saw strong participation from the UAE-based business community. This event, he noted, was a crucial platform for fostering collaboration between overseas Pakistanis and the government.
Ambassador Tirmizi briefed the gathering on the Minister’s recent engagements with key UAE officials, including meetings with H.E. Ahmed Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab, Chairman of the Department of Government Enablement in Abu Dhabi, and H.E. Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai. He also highlighted the Minister’s visit to the community school in Abu Dhabi and his attendance at the Pakistan Day Reception in Dubai.
During his address, Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the importance of collaboration between Pakistan’s government and the Pakistani diaspora to promote economic growth. He urged the business community in the UAE to actively contribute to enhancing Pakistan’s exports and attracting foreign investment. Iqbal reiterated the government’s commitment to long-term reforms aimed at ensuring political stability and economic progress in Pakistan.
Iqbal’s Vision for Pakistan’s Growth
Minister Iqbal elaborated on his government’s ambitious economic vision, “Urran Pakistan”, which aims to create a $1 trillion economy by 2025. The vision focuses on five critical pillars:
- Export-led growth
- Transition to a technology-driven economy
- Environmental sustainability and climate action
- Energy and infrastructure development
- Inclusive growth based on equity, ethics, and empowerment
The Minister also recognized the significant role played by the overseas Pakistani community through remittances, which have contributed greatly to Pakistan’s economy. He stressed the importance of enhancing community schools in the UAE, ensuring that Pakistani children receive quality education, and promised improvements to consular services, including expanding the Consulate General’s facilities in Dubai.
The session concluded with an open and engaging discussion where the Minister invited suggestions from the business community to inform policymaking and further strengthen economic ties between Pakistan and the UAE.
