New Delhi : United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s surprise India trip seemed to have a ripple effect on South Asian geopolitical equations, bringing an indirect setback for Pakistan. The development was confirmed by Pakistani publication The Express Tribune, which reported that the plan was shelved after the UAE lost interest in the project and failed to name a local partner to outsource operations.
Once the closest of Gulf allies, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are locked in an unusual public confrontation over support to rival groups in Yemen. While Islamabad inked a defence deal with Riyadh and wants to form what is being described as an “Islamic NATO” with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, the UAE has signed new defence deals with India. Saudi Arabia is also leaning on Pakistan’s military know-how, while the UAE has signed new defence deals with India.
Both countries had collaborated on defence, energy, and investment projects. But, over the years, the relations have been plagued by safety concerns, licensing controversies and ageing infrastructure in Pakistan. A recent report said that poor governance and mismanagement due to political interference are leading to huge losses in Pakistan’s state-owned enterprises, after which they are put up for distress sale at throwaway prices. Islamabad last year privatised its Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
The shift marks a sharp contrast from the past. For decades, the UAE was among Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a major source of remittances, with thousands of Pakistanis employed across various sectors. The two nations also worked closely on defence, energy and investment projects. Over the years, however, the relationship has been strained by safety concerns, licensing disputes and Pakistan’s ageing infrastructure.
Amid the growing rift between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Islamabad has deepened its ties with Saudi Arabia – signing a defence agreement and pushing for the formation of what is being described as an “Islamic NATO” with Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
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