President Khalifa announces $200 million for Pakistan aid programme

Resources from Abu Dhabi Fund for Development is aimed at supporting the country's sustainable development

The UAE has spent millions of dirhams on supporting anti-polio vaccination drives in Pakistan, along with other humanitarian operations. Courtesy: Asim Hafeez

The UAE and Pakistan have signed an agreement to channel US$200 million into the UAE - Pakistan Assistance Programme.

The funds will be invested in provinces including Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It will also include 40 projects covering roads, health, education, water and agriculture.

The move was ordered by President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces to provide humanitarian aid to Pakistan, state news agency Wam reported.

The funds will provide humanitarian assistance and support the country's development for a better future.

The agreement was signed in Islamabad by Abdullah Khalifa Al Ghafli, PAP director, and Commandant MCE Major General Anwar Ul Haq Chaudhry of the Pakistani Army, in the presence of Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan General Qamar Javed Bajwa and UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obeid Al Zaabi.

At the end of the signing ceremony, the UAE representatives presented a memorial plaque to the Chief of Pakistan Army, marking the 51st anniversary of the drive of humanitarian aid for Pakistan initiated by late Sheikh Zayed in 1967.

Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, said: "The relations between the UAE and Pakistan are based on mutual love and respect and they have blossomed into a variety of fruitful partnerships."

"Such projects translate the importance the UAE leadership attaches to education and health while building communities, with the ultimate goal of grooming generations capable of spearheading their nations in the future."

"The UAE-Pakistan model of cooperation is based on remarkable political, economic and trade relations, defense, security and cultural ties, and efficient exchange of experience across multiple domains," he said, noting that the UAE is the largest trading partner of Pakistan in the Middle East, with both countries meeting each other's needs for food security and energy.

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Abdullah Khalifah Al Ghafli, Director of the UAE PAP, said: "This phase complements the previous phases, under which 165 development and humanitarian projects at a cost of $365 million have been established.

"Today, as we sign this agreement, we celebrate the Year of Zayed and mark as well the passing of more than fifty-one years since the beginning of the charitable and philanthropic initiatives launched by late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1967, in Pakistan.

"His initiatives included all aspects and areas of giving and aimed to support and promote the process of development and progress and advancement of the people of Pakistan, and to ensure alleviation of poverty in every city and village in this country. The legacy of Sheikh Zayed in Pakistan will continue to reflect his wise vision and exceptional humanitarian principles that are greatly cherished and appreciated by all those who have benefited from his generosity and philanthropic initiatives across years."