uae king visit to pakistan

President Sheikh Mohamed visits Pakistan

Head of state was greeted by prime minister shehbaz sharif.

January 25, 2023

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UAE President, Pakistani Prime Minister discuss bilateral relations

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed His Excellency Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, who is on a working visit to the UAE. During the meeting at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, His Highness and the Prime Minister of Pakistan discussed cooperation between the UAE and Pakistan, with an emphasis on expanding opportunities to serve the interests of both nations. Particular focus was given to economic, investment, and developmental areas, alongside agriculture, food security, and energy, among other areas of cooperation that drive sustainable development and contribute to the prosperity of both countries. This engagement underscores the deep historical ties and mutual friendship that bind the UAE and Pakistan.The two leaders also reviewed regional and international issues of mutual interest, including developments in the Middle East and the crisis in the Gaza Strip. The meeting underscored the critical need for sustainable channels to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gazan people and the urgency of establishing an enduring ceasefire. They emphasiSed the need for international action to establish a clear path towards achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the region, thereby ensuring the preservation of regional and global peace and stability. The meeting also touched upon the significance of the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in the UAE, highlighting its role in finding sustainable solutions and practical pathways to accelerate climate action. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar expressed his appreciation for the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and the UAE. He thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the UAE's sustained developmental support and impactful initiatives in Pakistan, especially in the fields of health, education, and development. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar witnessed the exchange of memoranda of understanding in various fields, including banking and financial services, energy, food and agriculture, logistics, mining, port operations, and water treatment.The memoranda were exchanged on behalf of the UAE by His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, and on the Pakistani side by Her Excellency Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Minister for Finance, Revenue, and Economic Affairs. The meeting and the exchange ceremony were attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court; Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment; Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem AlZaab, Ambassador of UAE to Islamabad; as well as the accompanying delegation of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, comprising several ministers and senior officials.

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UAE President visits Pakistan

The two sides reviewed several regional and global issues of mutual concern and exchanged views

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan travelled to Pakistan on Thursday.

Sheikh Mohamed arrived in Rahim Yar Khan, and was received by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as well as a number of ministers and senior officials.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed their historical ties and opportunities of enhancing joint cooperation, official news agency WAM reported.

They also discussed cooperation paths, especially in the fields of economy, trade and development. Several regional and global issues of mutual concern were also reviewed.

Prime Minister Sharif welcomed the visit of Sheikh Mohamed to Pakistan, stressing “that it represents a strong drive towards developing the relations of the two friendly countries.”

Extremely delighted to receive my brother His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed @MohamedBinZayed on his arrival in Pakistan, which is his second home. Building on our last meeting, we discussed ways & means to further strengthen our brotherly relations. pic.twitter.com/mGu94e9UVr — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 25, 2023

Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to Pakistan follows PM Sharif’s visit to the UAE earlier this month.

The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President; Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; and Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan.

The relations between the two countries have been warm and affable. Cooperation between the UAE and Pakistan continues to evolve with bilateral trade expected to double from $10.6bn achieved in 2021-2022.

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President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has expressed the commitment to invest ten billion dollars in Pakistan.

He made this commitment during his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Abu Dhabi today.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan assured UAE's support in all circumstances and made commitment of investing ten billion dollars in multiple sectors in Pakistan.

Shehbaz Sharif conveyed gratitude to the UAE leadership for hosting 1.8 million Pakistani diaspora and highlighted Pakistan's huge human resource potential that could be engaged in multiple sectors.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss whole gamut of bilateral relations including cooperation in political, economic, social, cultural and defence sectors.

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of galvanizing existing cooperation and strengthening strategic partnership including in the field of information technology, renewable energy and tourism. 

He highlighted steps taken by the government aimed at ensuring socio-economic stability in the country and building investors' confidence.

He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to ensure meaningful implementation of investment cooperation agreements in the areas of Energy, Port Operations Projects, Wastewater Treatment, Food Security, Logistics, Minerals, and Banking and Financial Services.

Both leaders exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest including regional and global developments.

The Prime Minister reiterated his invitation to the UAE President for an official visit to Pakistan. The UAE President accepted the invitation.

He also offered condolences on the passing away of close family members of Al Nahyan family.

Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Special Assistant to Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi. 

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UAE president’s Islamabad visit cancelled due to bad weather

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ISLAMABAD: President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to Islamabad has been cancelled due to bad weather conditions, confirmed Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb. 

The minister said the foreign dignitary was waiting for take-off from 7.30 in the morning but the security team did not allow his plane to take off for Islamabad, the minister said.

Aurangzeb further said that the new dates for the UAE president’s visit to Pakistan will be announced later.

Meanwhile, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan contacted PM Shehbaz Sharif and expressed sorrow over the cancellation of the visit.

Read more: PM Shehbaz Sharif receives UAE president in Rahim Yar Khan

“Your security and well-being more important to you,” Shehbaz Sharif was quoted as saying to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The UAE dignitary assured PM Sharif that he will soon come to Islamabad on a two-day visit.

It may be noted that arrangements to welcome Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan were finalised in Islamabad. He was to be escorted by JF-17 aircraft to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Nur Khan Air Base.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and important members of the federal cabinet were also there to welcome the distinguished guest at the air base.

متحدہ عرب امارات کے صدر شیخ محمد بن زید النہیان ایک روزہ دورہ پر آج اسلام آباد پہنچ رہے ہیں۔۔۔ #PakWelcomesMBZ @CMShehbaz pic.twitter.com/iU53vlr6jS — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) January 30, 2023

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      View this post on Instagram ???? ?? ???? ??? ??? ????? ???? ????? ??????? ?????????? ?? ????? ???????? ??? ??? ?? ????? ??????? ?????. A post shared by Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (@mohamedbinzayed) on Jan 6, 2019 at 11:35pm PST

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Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to visit Pakistan on January 2

During the visit, the Crown Prince is expected to hold a meeting with Imran Khan

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Islamabad: His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, will be arriving in Islamabad on Thursday (January 2) for a daylong official visit.

The visit of the UAE leader aims to “further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two brotherly countries” according to a statement by the UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Alzaabi.

During the visit, the crown prince is expected to hold a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to discuss the possibilities of closer understanding between the two countries as well as to exchange views on “matters of mutual interest and regional and global situation”. The UAE crown prince last visited Pakistan on January 6 in 2019.

The UAE leader’s visit is part of the developing exchanges between Pakistan and the Arab world. Pakistan’s PM Imran Khan has held four one-on-one interactions with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi since assuming office in August 2018. Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa also travelled to Abu Dhabi on December 14 and held a meeting with Abu Dhabi crown prince to review regional security and matters of common interest.

Pakistan and UAE enjoy close cordial relations and have greatly contributed to development in both countries. In his December 3 article published in Gulf News, UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Alzaabi noted that “Pakistanis remain the pivotal contributors in the development of UAE” whereas the “UAE remains committed to assist Pakistan in its economic stability and human development.” The founding father of the UAE Late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan always considered Pakistan as his second home, which depicts the deep cultural roots that connect the two countries, he recalled.

The visit takes place days after Emirati Minister for Tolerance, Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, met Pakistani premier and President in Islamabad to discuss expansion of bilateral ties in all fields including trade, investment, energy, culture and tourism.

The UAE leader’s visit comes in the backdrop of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud’s visit on December 26 during which he extended Riyadh’s support to Pakistan’s core national interests.

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Pakistan pm arrives in uae on two-day visit, will sign energy, ports, aviation, banking deals.

https://arab.news/vvqu3

• During the visit, PM Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar will meet with UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed
• Pakistan and UAE are close allies, Gulf nation is Pakistan’s third-largest trade partner after China and US

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday, on a two-day visit aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation, the Pakistani foreign office said, adding that several agreements would be signed during the trip.

The Pakistani prime minister will hold a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed during the visit, a statement issued by the Pakistani foreign office said.

“The visit will include signing of MoUs between Pakistan and the UAE in a range of areas including investment cooperation in the sectors of Energy, Port Operations Projects, Waste Water Treatment, Food Security, Logistics, Mining, Aviation, and Banking & Financial Services,” the foreign office said.

Pakistan and the UAE are close allies. The Gulf nation is Pakistan’s third-largest trade partner after China and the United States. It is also viewed as an ideal export destination by policymakers in the South Asian country due to its geographical proximity with Pakistan. 

The UAE is also home to an estimated 1.8 million Pakistani expatriates and, after Saudi Arabia, is the second-largest source of remittances for the South Asian nation of more than 240 million.

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Lahore on high alert today ahead of rally by party of pakistan’s imran khan .

• Main aim of rally, which follows one held in Islamabad on Sept. 8, is to mobilize supporters for Khan’s release from prison
• Rally to be held in Lahore from 3-6pm at Ring Road’s Kahna area, subject to the PTI complying with 43 conditions

LAHORE: Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab, was tense on Saturday morning ahead of a planned rally by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, with party leaders complaining of a crackdown on supporters and roadblocks obstructing movement.

After days of uncertainty on whether the rally would be held, the district administration on Friday evening gave the PTI permission to hold the event from 3-6pm in the Kahna area of the city’s Ring Road, subject to compliance with 43 conditions, including that supporters would not cause unrest or chant anti-state slogans. 

The main aim of the rally, which follows one held in the federal capital of Islamabad on Sept. 8, is to mobilize supporters for the release of Khan, who has been in jail since August last year. He was convicted in four cases since he was first taken into custody, all of which have been either suspended or overturned by the courts. Khan remains in jail, however, on new charges brought by the national accountability watchdog regarding the illegal sale of gifts from a state repository while he was prime minister from 2018-22.

The PTI had wanted to organize the rally at Lahore’s historic Minar-e-Pakistan monument, but the district administration allowed a different venue.

“We are okay with this [Kahna] venue as our primary focus is to hold the rally in Lahore irrespective of the location,” Ayesha Ali Bhutta, PTI secretary-information in Lahore, told Arab News over the phone on Friday evening.

Bhutta complained of a crackdown on the party ahead of the rally, saying almost 50 leaders and supporters had been arrested. The PTI secretary-information said the Lahore administration had blocked a number of roads in the city with shipping containers to prevent the movement of PTI supporters and make it harder for them to reach the venue.

Despite the odds, she said, the party was resolved to go ahead with the public gathering. 

“We have clear instructions from Imran Khan to hold this rally, and we are ready to organize it at the venue given by the local administration,” Bhutta said. “The purpose of this rally is to demand the release of Imran Khan who has been held illegally in jail for over a year now.”

The PTI leader said caravans of PTI supporters had already left from far-flung areas of Punjab for Lahore to participate in the rally.

“Some of our caravans will reach Lahore tonight [Friday] while the remaining will converge on the venue by tomorrow afternoon,” she said, urging the provincial government to remove all blockades in the city and release arrested party supporters and leaders.

In an X post, Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bokhari said PTI supporters were causing unrest on the roads, warning of action.

تحریک فساد کے غنڈوں نے ابھی سے سڑکیں بند کرکے جلاو گھیراو شروع کردیا،اب ان پہ ایکشن ہوگا تو یہ رونا شروع کردیں گے،یہ مین بلیواڈ گلبرگ پہ دندنا رہے ہیں،ان کے نام نہاد لیڈروں کے پرامن رہنے کے بھاشن سنیں اور یہ دیکھیں،یہ انکا اصل چہرہ ہے pic.twitter.com/E1IXGzluRZ — Azma Zahid Bokhari (@AzmaBokhariPMLN) September 20, 2024

Speaking to Arab News, Director of Public Relations of the Punjab Police, Syed Mubashar Hussain, declined to comment on the arrests.

“The political party’s leadership is responsible for the security of the rally, and the police will be maintaining law and order in the city as per routine,” he said.

The PTI says it has faced an over year-long crackdown since protesters allegedly linked to the party attacked and damaged government and military installations on May 9, 2023, after Khan’s brief arrest that day in a land graft case. Hundreds of PTI followers and leaders were arrested following the riots and many remain behind bars as they await trial. The military has also initiated army court trials of at least 103 people accused of involvement in the violence. 

The party says it was not allowed to campaign freely ahead of Feb. 8 general elections, a vote marred by a mobile Internet shutdown on election day and unusually delayed results, leading to accusations that it was rigged and drawing concern from rights groups and foreign governments. 

The PTI says it won the most seats, but its mandate was “stolen” by the coalition led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which the party says formed the government with the backing of the all-powerful military. Both deny the claim.

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Government announces pakistan international airlines auction on october 1.

• Decision is significant since it has been recommended by IMF to privatize lossmaking state entities
• PIA is burdened with debt amounting to $2.9 billion and has lost some lucrative routes in recent years

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Privatization Commission Board on Friday announced the auction of the country’s national air carrier on October 1 in an official statement released after holding a meeting to evaluate the ongoing sales process.

The government has been seeking to sell Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which has been burdened with debt amounting to Rs800 billion ($2.9 billion), after approving several bailout packages at the request of its management to cover operational expenses in the past.

The country initially wanted to finalize the airline’s privatization deal on its Independence Day, August 14, but the process was delayed following requests from bidders awaiting PIA’s latest audited accounts, aircraft lease agreements and clarity on flights to Europe, which have remained suspended for nearly four years.

“The bidding for PIA’s privatization is scheduled to take place on October 1, 2024,” the statement said.

It informed the board meeting considered the recommendations of its financial adviser to amend the document containing the criteria related to potential bidders to ensure a smoother sales process.

“The board reviewed the current status of PIA’s privatization and considered the financial adviser’s recommendations regarding permissible changes under the Request for Statement of Qualification (RSOQ) terms,” it said.

The Privatization Commission has pre-qualified six bidders, which include Fly Jinnah, a consortium led by YB Holdings (Private) Limited, Air Blue Limited, a consortium led by Pak Ethanol (Private) Limited, Arif Habib Corporation Limited and Blue World City.

The process is also significant since it has been recommended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that wants the country to privatize all lossmaking state-owned entities as part of the rationalization of national economy.

Pakistani officials have already taken up the issue of PIA flight restoration to Europe, with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar describing it as a “major priority” for the government during a five-day visit to London earlier this month.

The suspension of PIA flights followed a 2020 plane crash in Karachi that killed 97 people.

The incident was followed by a controversial statement by a former aviation minister, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, who said that a significant number of Pakistani pilots held fake licenses.

This led the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to impose a ban on PIA.

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• Government reached out to Maulana Fazlur Rehman to push the constitutional amendment package in parliament
• Rehman says the package limited the scope of human rights, expanded the role of Pakistan’s powerful military

ISLAMABAD: The chief of a leading Pakistani religio-political party said on Friday he had suggested that the government undertake judicial reforms instead of passing an elaborate constitutional amendments package, posing a new challenge to the ruling coalition of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which is pushing for the changes.  The government last week sought to get a package of 52 constitutional amendments passed in parliament but postponed the move after it was unable to gather the two-thirds majority parliamentary votes required, most importantly as it did not get support from Fazl-ur-Rehman, the president of the Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Islam (JUI-F) party. The amendments propose increasing the retirement age of superior judges by three years, revisiting the seniority principle in the appointment of the country’s top judge and establishing a federal constitutional court, among other changes. Opposition parties, mainly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of jailed former premier Imran Khan, have criticized the package, calling it an “attack” on the independence of the judiciary. The PTI says the amendments are being done solely to grant an extension to incumbent Supreme Court Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, widely believed to be aligned with the ruling coalition and in opposition to its chief rival, the PTI.  The government has repeatedly said the amendments are not “individual specific.” “We [Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Islam] adopted a stance that instead of amending the constitution with individuals in mind, why not head toward judicial reforms?” Rehman said at a televised news conference in Multan. He said that his party had sought a draft of the constitutional amendment package from the government, saying the government was initially not willing to share it but when it managed to get hold of a copy, it reflected a lack of preparation. “When we received the copy [of the proposed constitutional amendments] and our lawyers reviewed it, we were deeply saddened by the fact that the constitution, which protects the fundamental rights of every citizen, but over here, human and fundamental rights had been restricted, and the role of [Pakistan’s] military had been significantly expanded. “Additionally, matters relating to the appointment and transfer of judges, even in the high courts, were alarming. If a judge is not trusted or cannot deliver a favorable decision, they could be immediately transferred, or the case could be reassigned to another judge.” He said he had met with a key coalition partner, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, about the amendments package.  “We agreed that we could also make a draft [of amendments] and he could also create a draft before sharing them with each other,” Rehman said.  “We want consensus. The job of parliament is to legislate, bring constitutional legislation, make amendments, and pass laws. This is our job. And we are not ready to accept any restriction on this.” The issue of the constitutional amendments has raised widespread concerns among opposition parties and independent experts who say the moves are aimed at increasing the government’s power in making key judicial appointments and dealing with the defection of lawmakers during house votes.

Ex-PM Khan’s party to hold Lahore rally today, complains of crackdown on supporters

• PTI says law enforcement agencies have arrested 49 of its leaders and supporters from across the city
• Party wanted to hold rally at Minar-e-Pakistan monument but designated venue on Lahore’s outskirts

ISLAMABAD: Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party vowed on Friday to hold a rally in Lahore despite a police crackdown and arrests of its workers and leaders, as the local administration allowed them to hold the public gathering on the outskirts of the city. The PTI aims to mount pressure on the authorities by holding rallies to get the ex-premier released from prison. Khan has been in jail since August last year on multiple charges including corruption, sedition and terrorism. Earlier this month, the PTI held a rally on the peripheries of Islamabad after which the local administration registered criminal cases against its leadership for violating their agreement with it. About 10 party lawmakers were arrested from the Parliament House in Islamabad on charges of intimidating the police at the venue of the rally. Initially, Khan’s party planned to organize the Lahore rally at the historic Minar-e-Pakistan monument, but the district administration gave them a different venue. “We have got the permission [to hold the rally] in Kahna, Lahore,” Ayesha Ali Bhutta, PTI secretary-information Lahore, told Arab News over the phone. “We are okay with this venue as our primary focus is to hold the rally in Lahore irrespective of the location.” Prior to getting the permission, she maintained that her party would hold the public gathering under all circumstances. “We will be holding the rally in Lahore tomorrow, come what may,” she said. “The security agencies have arrested our 49 leaders and workers so far in Lahore in a crackdown, but we are committed to mobilizing the public for a stunning show.” Speaking to Arab News about the rally, Director of Public Relations of the Punjab Police Syed Mubashar Hussain said his department would perform its usual duties. “The political party’s leadership is responsible for the security of the rally, and the police will be maintaining law and order in the city as per routine,” he said. He sidestepped questions about the police crackdown and arrests of PTI workers ahead of the rally. The PTI secretary-information said the Lahore administration had blocked numerous roads in the city with shipping containers to prevent the movement of the PTI workers to prevent them from visiting the venue. “We have clear instructions from Imran Khan to hold this rally, and we are ready to organize it on the venue given by the local administration,” she continued. “The purpose of this rally is to highlight the atrocities of the fascist government against our party workers and leaders, and demand the release of Imran Khan who has been held illegally in jail for over a year now,” she added. The Lahore High Court had directed the city’s deputy commissioner to decide by 5pm on the PTI’s application for a permission to hold the rally in the city, prompting the district administration to share its decision with the PTI in the evening. Earlier, the party’s local leadership had reached the Minar-e-Pakistan to make arrangements for the rally, but the local administration denied them the entry. “Our caravans from Wazirabad and other far-flung areas have already left for Lahore to participate in the rally,” Bhutta said, adding that hundreds of the PTI workers had reached the city to participate in the gathering. “Some of our caravans will reach Lahore tonight while the remaining will converge on the venue by tomorrow afternoon,” she continued, urging the provincial government to remove all the blockades in the city and release the arrested party workers and leaders ahead of the rally.

Chinese group to set up textile parks in Pakistan, aiming for $5 billion boost in exports

• Textile parks will utilize solar energy, modern automated technology and will operate with zero carbon emissions
• The foundation stone of the parks will be laid by the end of the year and they will employ up to 500,000 people

ISLAMABAD: A major Chinese business group unveiled its plan to set up textile parks in two Pakistani provinces during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday, saying these “international-standard” facilities will help generate up to $5 billion in textile exports from the country. China’s Ruyi Shandong Group, one of the largest textile and clothing manufacturers, has expanded globally over the past decade through acquisitions and investments. It has also benefited from the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the past by investing in a coal power plant in the country. The group’s chairman, Qiu Yafu, held a meeting with the prime minister to discuss the investment proposal and highlight its details. “Ruyi Group will establish international-standard textile parks in Sindh and Punjab provinces, inviting around 100 major Chinese textile industries to invest,” he said in his briefing, according to an official statement circulated after the meeting. “The primary focus of these textile parks is to boost Pakistan’s textile exports and make Pakistan a global hub for textiles and garments,” he continued. The Chinese businessman added these parks will utilize solar energy, operate with zero carbon emissions and employ modern automated technology. “In the first phase, these parks are expected to generate $2 billion in exports, with $5 billion anticipated in the second phase,” he noted. “The parks will create employment opportunities for 300,000 to 500,000 local individuals.” According to the briefing, the foundation stone for the textile parks will be laid by the end of the year, with completion expected within three years. Ruyi Group will also establish wholesale commodity centers in both Karachi and Lahore. It was decided during the meeting to establish working groups in Islamabad and Beijing to advance matters between Pakistan and the Chinese business group. “China has always stood by Pakistan in difficult times,” the prime minister said during the meeting. “Economic relations between China and Pakistan are growing stronger with each passing day.” He also formed a special committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to oversee the initiative. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Pakistan’s Board of Investment and Ruyi Shandong Group regarding the establishment of the parks, with the prime minister in attendance.

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H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE. He is also the Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed is a poet and an equestrian. He learned hunting and falconry when he was very young. He held the positions of Head of Dubai Police and Public Security, and Minister of Defence before becoming the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE.

Timeline of events

Early years, the governance journey of sheikh mohammed, sheikh mohammed and poetry, sheikh mohammed, the equestrian, sheikh mohammed foundations and awards, sheikh mohammed, the people's person, sheikh mohammed's initiatives as the uae's prime minister.

• Born in 1949
• Appointed as Head of Dubai Police and Public Security on 1 November 1968
• Appointed as Minister of Defence in December 1971
• Served as the Crown Prince of Dubai from January 1995 to January 2006
• Appointed as the Ruler of Dubai on 4 January 2006
• Appointed as the Vice-President of the UAE on 5 January 2006
• Appointed as the Prime Minister of the UAE on 11 February 2006

Sheikh Mohammed was born in 1949, being the third of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum's four sons: Sheikh Maktoum, Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Ahmed.

Sheikh Mohammed enjoyed a happy and carefree early childhood in the Al Maktoum family home located at Al Shindagha.

His parents and his grandfather, late Sheikh Saeed, the then Ruler of Dubai, showered him with love and affection.

Sheikh Saeed used to hold his daily majlis on wooden benches near the entrance to their Shindagha home. These meetings were a good learning opportunity to Sheikh Mohammed who was very close to his grandfather and was often seen sitting beside him.

From an early age, he learned hunting and the noble Arabian sport of falconry. He also learned the basic skills of horsemanship from his father.

From the age of four, Sheikh Mohammed was privately tutored in Arabic and Islamic Studies. In 1955, he began his formal education at Al Ahmadiya School, a small primary school in Deira.

At the age of 10, he moved to Al Shaab School and two years later he went to Dubai Secondary School. At the end of the academic year 1964-65, he passed exams in the main streams of the school's curriculum.

On 9 September 1958, his grandfather, Sheikh Saeed passed away and his father, Sheikh Rashid became the Ruler of Dubai.

From October 1958, Sheikh Rashid began serious preparations for his sons' future in government.

Sheikh Rashid believed that a man with a character such as that of Sheikh Mohammed would be best suited to manage the increasing external and internal security demands.

In August 1966, Sheikh Mohammed flew to the UK to enrol in the Bell School of Languages in Cambridge.

Because of its international reputation, the Bell School of Languages attracted a wide range of nationalities and cultures. Sheikh Mohammed used the opportunity to learn about many of his classmates and their countries.

Sheikh Mohammed threw himself into the vibrant Cambridge student literature scene and integrated himself fully into the student life.

To prepare further for his future role in Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed attended Mons Officer Cadet School - Aldershot, which is now part of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

During the latter stages of the six-month course, H. H. was promoted to Senior Under-Officer of Kohema and was later awarded the sword of honour for achieving the highest mark of any foreign and commonwealth officer cadet in his intake.

When Sheikh Mohammed returned to Dubai in 1968, Sheikh Rashid appointed him as the Head of Dubai Police and Public Security. This was his first public position.

The Ruler also made Sheikh Mohammed his Minister of Defence; thus, he had become the world's youngest defence minister.

On 18 October 1968, in a desert camp, late Sheikh Zayed, the then Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Rashid, the then Ruler of Dubai met to discuss forming a federation between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed accompanied his father to that meeting, and he still remembers the very few words that initiated the establishment of the United Arab Emirates.

On 2 December 1971, the rulers of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah and the Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain, as representative of his father, met at Sheikh Rashid Palace in Jumeirah, Dubai where they signed the Interim Constitution that regulated the establishment of the United Arab Emirates.

Despite the fact that Sheikh Mohammed was the youngest defence minister in the world and in just less than twelve months, he cleverly and wisely tackled the serious responsibility assigned to him internally and abroad.

The UAE forces undertook its first international task on 1976, when Sheikh Mohammed ordered troops to Lebanon to join the Arab Deterrent Force for a peacekeeping mission.

On 25 August 1977, Sheikh Rashid announced a formation of a committee, headed by Sheikh Mohammed, to manage Dubai Airport; consequently, developing Dubai as an international aviation hub and touristic attraction.

In this aspect, Sheikh Mohammed adopted the open skies policy and established the fundamentals of the touristic industry that boomed during the 90s.

During that period, Sheikh Mohammed handled Dubai's oil file, and this was one of the most serious tasks in Dubai Government as oil export was the most significant economic pillar.

In 1985, Sheikh Mohammed took charge of Jebel Ali Free Zone; a port-based industrial area centred around Jebel Ali port.

Sheikh Mohammed's majlis gained the same energy and pulse that characterised Sheikh Rashid's majlis.

During crises such as the Invasion of Lebanon, the Iraqi-Iranian War and the Palestinian Intifada, Sheikh Mohammed continued helping Dubai Government in its march forward.

On 7 October 1990, Sheikh Rashid passed away. For Sheikh Mohammed and his brothers, there was hardly time to draw a breath before they were consumed by the urgent need to shape the UAE's response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.

The UAE's armed forces were at the forefront of coalition efforts to liberate Kuwait, and within days of the end of the war, Sheikh Mohammed had ordered the dispatch of 250 tons of aid supplies, while the army rushed medical teams to Kuwait City to revive the devastated health service.

In addition, the UAE, under the directions from late Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed played a significant role in efforts to restore peace and provide humanitarian aids around the world, including in Bosnia, Somalia, and Kosovo.

Sheikh Mohammed becomes Crown Prince of Dubai

On 3 January 1995, Sheikh Maktoum, the then Ruler of Dubai, signed a decree appointing Sheikh Mohammed as Crown Prince of Dubai.

This appointment had dramatic effects, as Sheikh Mohammed launched many initiatives and projects to prosper the future of Dubai.

In 1995, Sheikh Mohammed revealed infrastructure projects for the new digital economy and launched the eGovernment initiative.

'Destination Dubai', was the tourism brief so long championed by him. Late in 1995, Sheikh Mohammed announced the creation of the Dubai Shopping Festival  (DSF).

On 1 April 1998, Sheikh Rashid Terminal was opened, representing the completion of the first phase of the Dubai's Government USD 540 million airport expansion plan.

Elsewhere in Dubai, an artificial island was being created, some 100 metres offshore. This was to be the base for one of Sheikh Mohammed's boldest projects, a hotel named Burj Al Arab (tower of the Arabs).

On 11 May 1999, Sheikh Mohammed announced an initiative to make Dubai Government as an online government as a whole within 18 months, which would give Dubai the distinction of becoming the world's first fully online government.

On 29 October 1999, Sheikh Mohammed announced the Dubai Internet City initiative, with a deadline of just 365 days to accomplish. The initiative was set to encompass the infrastructure, environment and attitude to enable new economic enterprises to operate out of Dubai with significant competitive advantage.

Sheikh Mohammed and his family contributed to other free zone projects such as Dubai Media City and Dubai International Financial Centre .

Early in 2001, Sheikh Mohammed announced the most extraordinary 'Destination Dubai' project; The Palm Island , a giant resort spread over two palm tree-shaped man-made islands.

In May 2001, H. H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Group Chairman, confirmed that, on instructions from Sheikh Mohammed, Emirates planned to buy up to 60 new wide-body aircraft worth 10billion USD.

Sheikh Mohammed becomes the Ruler of Dubai and the Vice-President and the Prime Minister of the UAE

On 4 January 2006, Sheikh Mohammed became the Ruler of Dubai following the death of his elder brother Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the then Ruler of Dubai.

On 5 January, the members of the UAE Supreme Council elected Sheikh Mohammed as the Vice-President of the UAE.

On 11 February 2006, the late H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the then President nominated Sheikh Mohammed to become the Prime Minister of the UAE; the Council approved this nomination.

Sheikh Mohammed began composing Nabati poetry while he was still at school. His father, late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, then President influenced greatly his development as a poet.

When Sheikh Mohammed's poems were first published in the newspapers, they appeared under several fictitious names including Nedawi and Saleet. He wanted to be sure that people genuinely admired his poetry, and that the newspapers were not publishing his poetry just because he was a member of the ruling family.

Nowadays, he is widely acknowledged as one of the finest exponents of Nabati verses and his work is published under his own name. An English-language collection of his poems, 'Poems from the Desert', has been on best-seller lists for more than two years.

Poetry has allowed Sheikh Mohammed to express the creative, sensitive side of his nature, which he has little chance to display in the political arena. His poems cover a wide range of subjects; from romance to current affairs.

Sheikh Mohammed has also encouraged others to compose Nabati verses through the riddles encrypted in his poems. He composes a poem comprising many questions, unlike the traditional one-line riddle of Western cultures, and call people to answer.

As a member of the Gulf's recognised families, it was only natural that Sheikh Mohammed be introduced to horses at an early age. He learned to ride horses in his early childhood and was a promising athlete. Equestrianism was and is his true sporting passion.

Sheikh Mohammed first visited a racecourse in 1967, in England. He and his brother, Sheikh Hamdan, watched Royal Palace win 2000 Guineas (the currency then in England). Some 10 years later, in Brighton, Hatta the filly gave Sheikh Mohammed his first victory as an owner.

Despite the great success, it was not until Sheikh Mohammed established Godolphin in 1994 that the racing world really began to acknowledge his passion for horses. Godolphin allowed him to ensure that his ideas were fully implemented, something which had not been possible previously.

The success and development of Godolphin coincided with the rise in Dubai's international profile. At the time it was established, owners tended to race their horses only on their own continent. Sheikh Mohammed wanted to race his horses all over the world and to encourage others to do the same.

The world's richest horse race, the  Dubai World Cup , was established with this aim in mind. The American horse Cigar won the first World Cup; the race continues to attract entries from around the globe.

Sheikh Mohammed has earned international recognition as a horse owner, as evidenced by the Special Eclipse Award he received in 2001.

He is also an exceptionally gifted rider. He has chosen endurance racing which has yet to gain the international popularity of traditional horse racing. Several riders from the UAE have excelled in this sport, with Sheikh Mohammed having served as captain of the national team. He is widely acknowledged to be a master tactician, recognising exactly the time to demand maximum effort from the horses, and when to hold them back.

He led the UAE to victory in the 1999 European Championship in Spain and Portugal and was captain when they retained the title in Italy in 2001.

In the 2003 European Championship in Ireland, he was captain once again and won the race. He is also a leading figure in the campaign to have endurance racing included in the Olympics.

Sheikh Mohammed instituted several foundations and awards that are philanthropic in nature but also aim at uplifting the lives of the people locally and regionally by providing them with facilities for health, housing, education, employment etc.

Foundations conducting general philanthropic activities

• Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian & Charity Est.
• Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives

Foundations for health

• Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Sports and Fitness Programme
• UAE Water Aid  (Suqia)

Foundations for education

• Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation
• Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government
• Dubai Cares

Cultural foundations

• The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Sheikh Mohammed also launched many awards to boost excellence and creativity in various fields. Some of the awards he launched include:

• The Arab Journalism Award
• Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Patrons of the Arts Awards
• Arab Social Media Award.

Read more about Sheikh Mohammed foundations and awards .

H. H. Sheikh Mohammed is a people's person. He regularly holds online and offline consultative sessions with the public and his cabinet. He has a huge fan following on his official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. He is a pioneer of implementing eParticipation in the region.

Some of the national online brainstorming sessions were as follows:

His first online session with journalists was in April 2009 through the then official website of the UAE Prime Minister (www.uaepm.ae). He answered questions from local and regional press, which related to the global financial crisis and its impact on the UAE, demography, labour rights and the proposed GCC single currency amongst others. The current official website of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is:  https://sheikhmohammed.ae/en-us . 

In June 2009, Sheikh Mohammed conducted another online session; this time with the public. This session too was held through the then official website of the UAE Prime Minister (www.uaepm.ae).

• November 2012

Sheikh Mohammed attended world's largest brainstorming summit where a thousand experts from academia, business, civil society and government gathered to discuss pressing issues facing the world; such as energy, food security and strategic issues in education and health.

• December 2013

In December 2013, Sheikh Mohammed invited the people for yet another online session. He called upon the citizens and residents of the UAE to share their ideas for the development of health and education sectors.

Sheikh Mohammed used his Twitter account to invite people to participate in this largest national brainstorming session. He encouraged people to submit suggestions through the then official website of the Prime Minister (www.uaepm.ae), by sending an email to [email protected] or tweeting with the hash tag #uaebrainstorm.

The result of this brainstorming session was that in March 2014, the UAE Cabinet endorsed setting up of the UAE National Institute for Medical Specialisations (UAE Medical Board) to develop and upgrade the health sector in the UAE. The Cabinet also approved the restructure of the UAE University and Zayed University's Board of Directors.

Other channels of communication include:

• Cabinet Retreats

Cabinet Retreats were convened for the first time in 2007 as a special meeting of the UAE Cabinet members to discuss national issues and strategic priorities.

• Mohammed Bin Rashid Policies Council

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Policies Council represents a new channel of communication with the community and a platform for creative and innovative ideas.

• Mohammed bin Rashid Smart Majlis

Mohammed bin Rashid Smart Majlis is a platform that allows everyone to participate in building the future of Dubai. It opens its doors to everyone to strengthen the position of Dubai in various fields and sectors.

As the Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed launched ground-breaking initiatives in a record time. His initiatives include:

• Vision 2021

The UAE Vision 2021 aims to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world by the Golden Jubilee of the UAE formation as a federation. The Vision set six national priorities as the key focus of government strategy in the coming years:

• cohesive society and preserved identity
• safe public and fair judiciary
• competitive knowledge economy
• first-rate education system
• world-class healthcare
• sustainable environment and infrastructure
• UAE National Agenda

The UAE National Agenda is a seven-year plan leading to the UAE Vision 2021, which also coincides with the UAE's 50th National Day.

It includes a set of national indicators in the sectors of education, healthcare, economy, police and security, housing, infrastructure and government services, aimed at achieving the UAE's leading position as per Vision 2021.

• UAE Government Strategy Plan

On 17 April 2007, Sheikh Mohammed unveiled the first UAE Government Strategy Plan with the aim of achieving sustainable development throughout the country, investing federal resources more efficiently and ensuring due diligence, accountability and transparency across federal bodies.

• UAE Flag Day

On November 2013, Sheikh Mohammed called upon the people of the UAE to celebrate ' Flag Day' on November 3rd every year as a national campaign to celebrate the anniversary of the accession of the late H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the President of the UAE.

• Mobile Government

On 22 May 2013, Sheikh Mohammed launched the Mobile Government initiative in order to provide best services to the public round the clock.

• Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation

Sheikh Mohammed launched Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation in September 2014 to encourage and motivate innovation.

• Government Creativity Lab

Following the outstanding success of the ' Government Creativity Lab' during a UAE Cabinet Retreat in December 2013, Sheikh Mohammad directed all federal government bodies to adopt the 'Government Creativity Lab' experiment as an official and standardized practice to develop government services.

• Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Programme

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Programme was launched to establish a unique learning environment in schools through the introduction of 'Smart Classes'.

• Mohammed bin Rashid Government Excellence Award

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Government Excellence Award was launched in 2009 under the umbrella of Sheikh Khalifa Government Excellence Government Excellence Programme (SKGEP), which is first integrated programme for government excellence.

• Emirates Programme for Excellence in Government Services

The Emirates Programme for Excellence in Government Services was launched in March 2011 to achieve higher standards in client services by improving efficiency.

• UAE Pioneers Award

Sheikh Mohammed has called upon the public and his followers on social media networks to nominate first 43 top achievers in the UAE in various fields to honour them during the UAE's 43rd National Day celebrations. The award was given in honour of their service to the nation and their pioneering spirit and for being the first in their field.

• Minister eBriefcase and Knowledge Centre

The 'Minister eBriefcase' and 'Knowledge Centre ' initiatives aim to catalyse a full-scale adoption of electronic transformation in government functioning.

• National Programme for Government Communications

The National Programme for Government Communications includes a number of nation-wide communication and awareness campaigns to address community issues prioritized by the National Agenda and guided by UAE Vision 2021.

• UAE Green Growth Strategy

The UAE Green Growth Strategy initiative aims to build the green economy of the UAE under the slogan 'A Green Economy for Sustainable Development'.

U.ae (previously Government.ae) is the official portal of the UAE government. It reflects the government's strategy to provide efficient services and boost performance by gathering and delivering all details about federal and local government entities. It also provides all information necessary for individuals, visitors, businesspersons as well as direct contact with UAE government.

Main resources:

• The ruling family in Dubai - The official website of H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
• Roles and responsibilities - UAE Cabinet
• Prime Minister's initiatives - UAE Cabinet
• Biography - UAE Cabinet

Useful links:

• Federal system - UAE Cabinet
• Speeches , quotes and articles by Sheikh Mohammed

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