Islamabad: The United Arab Emirates has announced that it voluntarily ended the mission of its counter-terrorism units deployed in Yemen, after a comprehensive review following recent developments in the region.
The move marks a shift in UAE’s operational posture in Yemen, though it follows careful assessment and was carried out on a voluntary basis.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Rahim Yar Khan to meet UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Atta Tarar.
During the meeting, both leaders were accompanied by key officials including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Atta Tarar. The discussions focused on transforming Pakistan-UAE fraternal ties into a strategic economic partnership, strengthening bilateral trade, and enhancing cooperation in defense, energy, IT, and mineral sectors.
Prime Minister Sharif expressed gratitude to the 2.1 million Pakistanis residing in the UAE, describing them as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. Both sides also reviewed progress on agreements reached during the president’s recent Islamabad visit, agreed to boost two-way trade and emphasized the importance of continued high-level consultation. Officials said the meeting is expected to strengthen Pakistan-UAE ties and concluded a year of robust top-level engagements between the two countries.
Sheikh Mohamed had arrived in Pakistan on December 26 and was staying in Rahim Yar Khan for a private hunting trip. During a press briefing on December 27, Deputy Prime Minister Dar confirmed the president’s visit to the area for leisure purposes.
