To mark the UAE’s 52nd National Day, The News engaged in a conversation with His Excellency Mr. Bakheet Ateeq Al-Remeithi, the Consul General of the Emirates in Karachi. The UAE Consul General in Karachi, Bakheet Ateeq Al-Remeithi, brings with him the experience of 24 years of service in Pakistan. His fluency in Urdu and genuine expressions of goodwill for the country make him not just a UAE national but a true Pakistani at heart. On the occasion of the UAE’s 52nd National Day, Bakheet Ateeq Al-Remeithi shared his thoughts in an interview with The News.
Mentioning the historical significance of December 2, 1971, Ateeq Al-Remeithi stated, “The day is celebrated on December 2, 1971 to commemorate the unification of the Gulf states of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Fujairah, and a year later Ras Al Khaimah. The founder of UAE Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan always gave the message of unity while treating every citizen of every state of the Emirates with utmost kindness, respect, and love. As a result, the people of UAE too are very loving and hospitable and treat others with respect. UAE gives complete religious freedom to minorities. While we have mosques everywhere in the UAE, you can find churches and temples,” he added.
As for Pakistan-UAE brotherly relations, Ateeq Al-Remeithi stated, “It’s been 24 years that I have been serving in my consulate in Karachi and if I include the time spent in the UAE, I have been working with Pakistanis for the last 40 years. Our founder Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan taught us to love Pakistan. He loved Pakistanis just like he loved every Emiratis.”
“Our current leadership, President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Deputy Prime Minister Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan also regard Pakistan with great respect and esteem. Around 1.7 million Pakistanis living in the UAE have played an important role in building our country and its success. PAK-UAE friendship extends to all levels and we are sure that Pakistan will also progress in the days to come,” he asserted. He urged Pakistani brethren to promote unity and set aside differences for the collective welfare of the nation.
“Regrettably, there are some individuals who are causing harm to your country and they should refrain from such actions. UAE has always stood by the government of Pakistan in times of adversity.
During the 2010 floods, I personally took interest in resolving the woes of the flood affectees of Sindh. Recently, I spent 20 days among the flood victims of Sindh and Balochistan, providing the much-needed help and support to them,” he emphasised.
To a question about the reason for choosing Pakistan to establish the UAE’s largest visa center in Asia, he expressed profound affection for Pakistan, highlighting its historical significance as the first country to recognise the UAE after its establishment.
“This visa center stands as a heartfelt gift from the Emirates to Pakistan. At the visa center, we have introduced a unique Happiness Desk, a feature unparalleled in any other visa center globally. Our aim is to simplify the visa process for our Pakistani brothers and sisters. Recognizing that some individuals arriving from interior regions and Balochistan may face financial constraints for visa fees, the Happiness Desk is designed to offer them assistance,” he affirmed.
In response to queries regarding the tightening of visa requirements for Pakistanis, he clarified, “Contrary to any misconceptions, we are committed to providing all necessary facilities and conveniences at the consulate for our Pakistani brothers visiting the Emirates for work or tourism. We have taken significant steps to streamline the business visa process for Pakistan. Previously, business visa applications were channeled through the Chamber of Commerce and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We have simplified this process, allowing any Pakistani businessman to apply directly at the consulate for a business visa.” He says that the entire visa issuance process for Pakistanis is completed within half an hour to three hours. “While having a bank account is mandatory for obtaining an Emirates visa, we make exceptions and issue visas to many Pakistanis who may not have bank accounts.
“We ensure that Pakistanis heading to the Emirates with children are well-informed about Wadeema’s Law, a child protection law in the UAE. We provide comprehensive briefings on this law before their departure, covering fundamental rights such as life, security, care, family rights, health rights, social rights, and education rights.”
Having engaged with the local business community, including visits to sites like the Korangi Industrial Area, he said, “I am planning further interactions with business communities in interior Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab to better facilitate them. Our focus is on making ‘Made in Pakistan’ products globally competitive by reducing the role of middlemen. We are dedicated to increasing Pakistan’s exports significantly. I often dedicate my ‘weekends’ to serve the Pakistani community, emphasising the importance of hard work for the country’s progress.”
Recently Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, accompanied by the Army Chief, visited the Emirates to foster new investments from friendly countries.
While highlighting the substantial investments made by the Emirates in Pakistan, he pointed out the recent establishment of the Specialized Investment and Finance Company (SIFC) in Pakistan. This initiative is designed to enhance and expedite facilities for investors, reflecting the commitment to providing a conducive environment for business growth.
Expressing optimism about the burgeoning potential for UAE investments in Pakistan, he stated, “I am confident that investments will flow into Pakistan rapidly in the near future. Recently, new investments have been done in Pakistan’s port and shipping sector, while Summit Bank has been acquired by a group from Dubai. In the future we are looking forward to investments in infrastructure, ports, IT, food security, mines and minerals, and the energy sector,” he concluded.
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Bakheet Ateeq Al-Remeithi
Consul General of UAE in Karachi
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