Shehbaz, Nahyan commit to deepen ties

RAHIM YAR KHAN: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Sunday met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, here and discussed matters of mutual and bilateral interest.

Both the leaders expressed their shared commitment to deepening economic, political, and cultural ties.

They discussed a wide range of issues, including economic collaboration, regional stability, climate change, and promotion of mutual interests on the global stage.

Shehbaz praised the UAE’s visionary leadership and its role as a key partner of Pakistan in development and investment.

He underscored Pakistan’s readiness to expand cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, technology, trade, infrastructure and skill development.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the UAE’s keen interest in collaborating with Pakistan in the mining, minerals and agriculture sectors.

He admired the way Pakistan’s economy had stabilised and was moving in the right direction under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

He emphasized that this renewed economic vigor had created prospects for enhanced bilateral investment and collaboration.

In his remarks, His Highness also reiterated the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its longstanding partnership with Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people connections and shared prosperity.

Shehbaz thanked His Highness for the UAE’s unwavering support during critical times, particularly in humanitarian assistance and development aid.

Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to peace and progress in the region, vowing to work closely on matters of mutual interest.

The meeting concluded with a joint resolve to foster greater cooperation, particularly in priority sectors, ensuring a brighter future for both nations. During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi were present.

In a post on X, the prime minister later said, “Delighted to meet with my dear brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE, today in Rahim Yar Khan. Reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to further strengthening Pak-UAE cooperation and elevating our ties to a mutually beneficial strategic partnership. Matters of mutual interest including investments in Pakistan were discussed with a resolve to move forward together.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Sunday took notice of illegal reinstatement of several officers who were fired for corruption in the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco).

A high-level committee has been formed to investigate corruption in Lesco whose notification has also been issued. The committee will complete the investigation and submit a report within 10 days. The committee has asked the Lesco management to respond to the allegations.

According to the notification, the Lesco management is accused of rehabilitating 12 officers by taking money. The management is also accused of purchasing equipment from an international company.

Earlier the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) had imposed a fine of Rs10 million on Lesco over failure to implement safety measures. According to the Nepra, Lesco had previously been instructed to complete the earthing of 100% of their poles but they failed to implement the directions.