By Shaheen Hashim
KARACHI: Sindh’s minister for local government, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, had welcomed a senior member of the United Arab Emirates’ royal family, Sheikh Ahmed bin Khalifa Saeed Al Maktoum, on his arrival at Karachi airport, in a visit that officials described as significant for deepening bilateral engagement, particularly in trade and investment.
Shah received Sheikh Ahmed at the airport and exchanged brief remarks, conveying what he described as the warm sentiments of the Sindh government and the people of Pakistan. The visiting dignitary was scheduled to remain in the country for several days, during which he was expected to meet a range of political leaders, senior government officials and prominent figures from the business community.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the arrival, Shah said the visit reflected the enduring closeness between Pakistan and the UAE, adding that both countries had long enjoyed a relationship built on mutual trust, cooperation and shared interests. He said discussions during Sheikh Ahmed’s stay would include potential investment opportunities in Sindh, a province he described as offering “vast and diverse prospects” for foreign investors.
The minister pointed to sectors such as infrastructure development, energy, housing, agriculture, ports and municipal services as areas where international investment could play a transformative role. He said Sindh’s government was keen to facilitate investors by providing policy support, streamlined procedures and what he called a “conducive and secure environment” for long-term partnerships.
Shah also underlined the symbolic importance of the visit at a time when Pakistan was seeking to stabilise its economy and attract foreign capital. He expressed confidence that engagement with investors from the UAE could contribute to job creation, improved public services and sustainable urban development, particularly in major cities such as Karachi.
Describing Pakistan and the UAE as “iron brothers”, Shah said the two countries had consistently stood by each other during difficult moments, whether in times of economic need or regional uncertainty. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening relations with the UAE, noting that economic cooperation had become a central pillar of the bilateral relationship.
Officials said the meetings scheduled during Sheikh Ahmed’s visit were expected to explore practical avenues for collaboration, with an emphasis on turning long-standing goodwill into concrete economic outcomes.
