DUBAI: Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s representative to the UAE, recently captivated students and faculty at Heriot-Watt University Dubai with a compelling presentation on the enduring ties between Pakistan and the UAE.
The event spotlighted Pakistan’s historical, cultural, and strategic significance on the global stage.
During the session, Ambassador Tirmizi delved into Pakistan’s vibrant cultural roots, tracing back to ancient civilisations such as the Indus Valley and Gandhara. He emphasised Pakistan’s unique position as a modern state with a profound historical footprint.
“With 68 percent of its 240 million population under the age of 30, Pakistan is a land of immense potential. Geographically, it hosts breathtaking mountain ranges like the Himalayas and Karakoram, with five of the world’s fourteen peaks above 8,000 metres,” he stated, inviting students to explore Pakistan’s natural and cultural wealth.
70 years of Pak-UAE ties
The Ambassador underscored the deep-rooted Pakistan-UAE relationship that has flourished for over 70 years. “Pakistan was the first country to recognise the UAE, sending an envoy six months before its formation in 1971,” he remarked, paying tribute to the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Highlighting shared values, geographical proximity, and mutual goals, he praised Pakistanis' role in developing UAE sectors like aviation, banking, and agriculture.
Economic partnerships
With a bilateral trade volume of US$10 billion annually and UAE Foreign Direct Investment in Pakistan estimated at US$2.9 billion, Ambassador Tirmizi celebrated the strong economic partnership. He also commended the contributions of 1.8 million Pakistanis living in the UAE, acting as a vital bridge between the two nations.
Engaging students to explore
Calling on the audience to visit Pakistan, the Ambassador highlighted its diverse tourism potential, from scenic landscapes to rich cuisines. He encouraged students to bring friends from diverse backgrounds to experience Pakistan’s famed hospitality.
The session concluded with enthusiastic participation, as students expressed a keen interest in exploring Pakistan’s heritage and opportunities for collaboration.