ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will lead Pakistan’s delegation to the 12th session of the Pakistan‑UAE Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), set to convene today in Abu Dhabi, according to an announcement from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
High-Level Participation from Both Sides
Pakistan’s team will feature secretaries and senior officials representing the ministries of Economic Affairs, Commerce, Energy, Maritime Affairs, and Interior. On the UAE side, the delegation will be headed by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with key representatives from associated Emirati agencies .
Broad Agenda for Strategic Cooperation
The JMC, the primary institutional mechanism for bilateral engagement, will review existing cooperation and identify fresh opportunities in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, IT, and legal frameworks. Several sector-specific agreements are expected to be signed to formalize collaboration ([brecorder.com][1]).
Key Focus Areas Include:
Energy & Infrastructure: Discussions may include proposed memoranda, including joint petroleum working groups and possible upstream and downstream oil and gas ventures
Trade & Investment: Talks are likely to cover mechanisms such as a UAE‑Pakistan Joint Business Council, easing visa formalities, and exploring innovation-led growth in IT
Legal & Consular Affairs: Finalization of MoUs on consular cooperation, mutual legal assistance, and anti‑trafficking initiatives are on the agenda
Historical Context & Recent Engagements
This marks the first JMC meeting in over a decade, following delayed scheduling since the previous session in 2013 and renewed momentum during bilateral visits earlier this year, including discussions in February and April aimed at cementing trade, energy, and social ties .
In February, Dar and Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed their commitment to strategic collaboration covering trade, investment, energy, defence, and community links, leading to agreements to maintain regular high‑level diplomatic consultations .
Expected Outcomes & Regional Impact
Officials anticipate that the meeting will align economic priorities, unlock significant investment potential, and lay the groundwork for long-term strategic partnerships. Priority sectors are expected to include petroleum, infrastructure, digital innovation, and simplified regulatory processes to benefit the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE.
The forum seeks to cement “brotherly” ties through actionable frameworks that balance economic growth with people‑centered cooperation, reinforcing Pakistan’s role as a key partner in the Gulf region.
What to Watch For:
Signing of new MoUs in energy, trade, and consular services
Establishment or activation of UAE‑Pakistan Joint Business Council
Progress on visa facilitation, AI capacity building, and export collaboration
Launch of joint petroleum working groups and infrastructure partnerships
The success of this session could significantly boost bilateral ties—both economically and strategically—reinforcing Pakistan’s economic diplomacy with the UAE.
