Echoes of the Heart
By: Ghulam Akbar-26-02-2019
The bond between Pakistan and
UAE is embedded in FAITH & HISTORY
The people of Pakistan suckle the love for their Arab brothers with their mother’s milk.
In the mindset of the people of Pakistan, it is ingrained that every Arab is their friend. They take two friendships for granted. Friendship with Turkey. And Friendship with the Arab countries. Even though due to the harsh realities of market-oriented economy and purely financial interest, some Arab countries have not lived up to the expectations of the people of Pakistan, we as a nation have seldom failed to cherish warmth and commitment to our Arab brothers. Quite clearly the fountainhead of this warmth and this commitment is Islam. And no Muslim heart anywhere in the world—specially in Pakistan can unlearn the fact that our Prophet was an Arab and the message of Allah that flowed through him to the mankind is in Arabic language.
Thus when we say the UAE is among our most endeared and trusted friends, it is not a political statement; it is a historic fact. This unique federation of seven largely autonomous states a is country that we simply take for granted. Dubai, Abn Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimma and other constituents of the UAE are household names. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan is a name that no Pakistan I can fail to recall with love and gratitude. The hospital in Lahore built by him is a living testimony to the Friendship of the two countries. Similarly Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and specially Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoom are household names in our country. The rise of Dubai under Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoom’s dynamic and enterprising leadership is a story of unfailing commitment and crystal-clear vision.
For most Pakistanis Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad have similar connotations.
Our bond goes far beyond commerce. It is embedded in history.
