News DeskDubai, UAE – Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, met with a delegation from the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) Dubai, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with overseas Pakistanis. The meeting was attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Consul General Hussain Muhammad, and other senior diplomatic officials.
Welcoming the minister, PBC Dubai Chairman Shabbir Merchant expressed appreciation for the government’s outreach, particularly acknowledging the successful Overseas Convention in Islamabad, which featured active participation from UAE-based businesses.
Ambassador Tirmizi briefed attendees on Prof. Iqbal’s high-profile engagements in the UAE, including discussions with key Emirati officials such as Ahmed Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab, Chairman of the Department of Government Enablement in Abu Dhabi, and Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of Dubai’s Executive Council. Additionally, Prof. Iqbal’s visit to a community school in Abu Dhabi and his participation in the Pakistan Day Reception hosted by the Consulate General in Dubai were noted.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Iqbal urged Pakistani business leaders in the UAE to contribute to national economic growth by bolstering exports and attracting foreign investments. He reiterated the government’s vision of “Urran Pakistan,” an ambitious roadmap to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2035, focusing on five key pillars: export-driven growth, technological advancement, environmental sustainability, infrastructure development, and inclusive economic progress.
Recognizing the crucial role of remittances from overseas Pakistanis, the minister stressed the need to improve educational facilities in community schools across the UAE, ensuring quality education for Pakistani expatriates. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing consular services and announced plans to expand the premises of the Consulate General in Dubai.
The session concluded with an interactive dialogue, as Minister Iqbal welcomed suggestions from business leaders to further refine policies and strengthen Pakistan-UAE economic relations. The engagement highlights the government’s proactive approach to leveraging overseas expertise for national development.
