Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has called on the Pakistani business community in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to play a proactive role in boosting Pakistan’s exports and attracting foreign investment, as part of the government’s long-term economic strategy.

The minister made the remarks during a meeting with the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) Dubai, which was also attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Consul General Hussain Muhammad, and senior members of the diplomatic mission. The gathering provided a platform for dialogue on enhancing Pakistan-UAE economic relations.

Welcoming the minister, PBC Dubai Chairman Shabbir Merchant appreciated the opportunity for direct engagement and praised the government’s recent efforts, particularly the Overseas Convention in Islamabad, which drew participation from UAE-based business leaders.

Ambassador Tirmizi provided an overview of Ahsan Iqbal’s recent high-level engagements in the UAE, including meetings with senior Emirati officials in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. He also thanked the minister for visiting the Pakistani community school in Abu Dhabi and participating in Pakistan Day celebrations hosted by the Consulate.

Reaffirming his long-standing association with PBC since 1998, Ahsan Iqbal outlined the government’s economic vision ‘Urran Pakistan,’ which aspires to position Pakistan as a $1 trillion economy. He said this strategy hinges on five pillars: export-led growth, a technology-driven economy, environmental and climate resilience, energy and infrastructure development, and inclusive growth grounded in ethics and equity.

He underscored the vital role of overseas Pakistanis in national development through remittances and urged improvements in the quality of education at community schools in the UAE. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing consular services and expanding facilities at the Consulate General in Dubai.

The meeting concluded with an interactive session in which the minister welcomed suggestions from the business community to inform policy decisions and deepen bilateral economic cooperation.