Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with H.E. Jassem Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Department of Finance Abu Dhabi, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi’s Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs, Chairman of Etisalat (e&), and Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Holding Company (ADQ), in Dubai.

The meeting highlighted the deep-rooted historic ties of brotherhood, friendship, and mutual support between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, which continue to serve as a strong foundation for bilateral cooperation.

Both sides also explored opportunities to increase UAE investments in Pakistan and exchanged views on broadening and deepening trade and economic relations to unlock greater mutual prosperity. Discussions also focused on Etisalat’s (e&) ongoing investment in Pakistan and its plans to expand its footprint through its flagship stake in the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL).

The talks were cordial and constructive. The two sides reaffirmed the directives from the leadership of Pakistan and the UAE to further strengthen economic and trade ties. They exchanged perspectives on resolving long-standing issues related to PTCL’s operations and future growth.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Ministe emphasized the need to promptly settle remaining issues and to collaborate closely to enhance bilateral economic relations, build on historic goodwill, and open new avenues for investment, trade, and joint ventures. H.E. Jassem Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi expressed full agreement and reaffirmed his strong commitment to advancing shared objectives.

Both sides agreed to pursue joint efforts to expeditiously resolve outstanding matters and to actively promote initiatives that expand economic and trade cooperation, fully aligned with the guidance of their respective leaderships.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister was assisted by Mr Shafqat Ali Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE; Mr Ali Zeb, Trade Counsellor; Mr Fawad Ali Khan, Acting Consul General; and Mr Faraz Arshad, Third Secretary. H.E. Jassem Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi was assisted by Mr Masood Mohamed Shariff, CEO of Etisalat UAE.

Islamabad
January 24, 2026