Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the distribution of 100,000 free laptops among talented students across the country on merit, during an International Youth Day event in Islamabad on Tuesday. Premier stated that the distribution of these laptops will cover all four provinces, the federal capital Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, and will be based purely on merit, without any nepotism. He added that these laptops would be separate from the scheme for laptops through interest-based loans. Referring to Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, the prime minister mentioned that Pakistan’s victory on May 10 against a numerically larger and more boastful enemy had instilled a new vigour in the entire nation. He urged the youth to build on the spirit of this achievement and work hard to bring honour to the country. Earlier, during the ceremony, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, Rana Mashhood, said the government’s merit-based programs for youth had enabled talented and des...
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to the United Arab Emirates on June 12, 2025, represents a pivotal moment in Pakistan-UAE relations, as both nations seek to deepen their economic partnership amid evolving regional dynamics.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement
The Prime Minister’s meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan underscores the significance both countries place on their bilateral relationship. According to the Pakistani Foreign Office, the discussions will encompass “a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest and concern,” reflecting the comprehensive nature of the partnership.
This visit builds upon the momentum established during Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to Pakistan in January 2024, when the two nations signed agreements worth over $3 billion covering railways, economic zones, and infrastructure development. Such substantial commitments demonstrate the UAE’s confidence in Pakistan’s economic potential and strategic importance.
Economic Imperatives Drive Partnership
For Pakistan, the timing of this visit is particularly significant as the country pursues export-led growth and seeks foreign investment to revitalize its economy. The UAE serves as Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner and has emerged as a crucial ally during Pakistan’s recent financial challenges, providing critical support that helped unlock International Monetary Fund assistance.
The relationship extends beyond mere trade statistics. With over a million Pakistani expatriates calling the UAE home, the human dimension of this partnership creates deep social and economic ties that benefit both nations. These expatriate communities serve as bridges, facilitating business connections and cultural exchange that strengthen bilateral bonds.
Strategic Geographic Advantage
The UAE’s proximity to Pakistan offers significant logistical advantages, particularly in terms of reduced freight costs and efficient trade routes. This geographic factor, combined with the UAE’s position as a global business hub, makes it an ideal partner for Pakistan’s economic diversification efforts.
Recent diplomatic communications between the two leaders, including last month’s phone call where Prime Minister Sharif expressed satisfaction with growing ties, indicate a shared vision for transforming their relationship into what he termed a “mutually beneficial economic partnership.”
Regional Stability and Diplomatic Cooperation
Beyond economic considerations, the visit occurs against the backdrop of regional tensions, including recent escalations between Pakistan and India. During their previous communications, both leaders discussed these security challenges, with Prime Minister Sharif acknowledging the UAE’s “constructive diplomatic role” in defusing crises.
This diplomatic dimension highlights the UAE’s growing influence as a regional mediator and Pakistan’s appreciation for partners who can help navigate complex geopolitical challenges. The Foreign Office’s emphasis on “deep-rooted fraternal ties” marked by “mutual trust, shared values and close cooperation across multiple sectors” suggests that both nations view their relationship as extending far beyond transactional arrangements.
Future Prospects
As Prime Minister Sharif embarks on this crucial visit, expectations are high for concrete outcomes that will benefit both nations. The discussions are likely to explore new areas of cooperation while strengthening existing partnerships in energy, infrastructure, technology, and trade.
The visit represents more than diplomatic protocol; it embodies Pakistan’s strategic pivot toward deeper engagement with Gulf nations and the UAE’s continued confidence in Pakistan’s potential. For both countries, this meeting offers an opportunity to chart a course for enhanced cooperation that addresses contemporary challenges while building foundations for long-term prosperity.
The success of this visit will likely be measured not just in immediate agreements or announcements, but in its contribution to the broader trajectory of Pakistan-UAE relations and their shared vision for regional stability and economic growth.
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