Staff Reporter
Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has called for an early end to the visa restrictions on Pakistani citizens for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Talking to UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al Zaabi in Islamabad on Tuesday, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said that Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have long-standing ties.
The minister said that 1.5 million Pakistani workers in the UAE are valuable assets, and they send foreign exchange reserves worth about five billion dollars to Pakistan annually. He said the UAE government’s cooperation will be required for extradition of the Pakistanis imprisoned in the UAE. He said efforts will be continued for promotion of bilateral ties.
The UAE ambassador said the visa restriction on Pakistani citizens is temporary. He said talks are underway, and hopefully, issuance of visas will soon resume. He said the Pakistani community has an exemplary role in development of the UAE, and their wellbeing is among our priorities.
Separately talking to a private news channel, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said the Senate elections could be held in between 12th February to 12th March. He said the government has decided to go to the Supreme Court to hold open ballot elections in the Senate.
