Islamabad, June 16, 2025: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed Pakistan’s keen interest in benefiting from the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) successful experience in modern governance and management systems.
The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with a high-level UAE delegation led by Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange. The delegation also included UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, as well as senior officials Abdullah Al Balouki and Ibrahim Al Ali from the Government Knowledge Exchange Office.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz acknowledged the UAE’s progress in aligning itself with developed nations through effective governance and innovation-driven administration.
“The UAE has emerged as a global example of smart governance. Pakistan is eager to learn from its reforms to improve our own systems,” the prime minister stated.
He highlighted Pakistan’s recent efforts in governance reform, including digitization initiatives, the move toward a paperless economy, and the introduction of a faceless customs system to enhance efficiency and transparency.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that Pakistan is striving for data-driven decision-making and is committed to incorporating international best practices to strengthen good governance.
Reflecting on his previous meeting with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the prime minister described their interaction as highly productive. He also appreciated the UAE’s constructive diplomatic role, particularly in helping de-escalate tensions between Pakistan and India in the past.
For his part, UAE Deputy Minister Abdulla Nasser Lootah reaffirmed the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the two countries. He lauded the contribution of the Pakistani community to the UAE’s development and said his country is pleased to share its governance models and experiences with Pakistan.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two nations, aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in improving government performance and public sector reform.
The MoU covers a broad range of areas including good governance, development planning, public sector reform, human resource development, urban planning and science and technology.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior Pakistani officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Planning and Development Dr. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi.
