Pakistan, UAE agree to enhance bilateral cooperation

Billboards of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, are hung up across Islamabad ahead of Sheikh Mohamed's visit in January 2019. (AP)
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Updated 07 February 2021
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Pakistan, UAE agree to enhance bilateral cooperation

  • The two leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and focused on regional and international issues of mutual interest
  • They also agreed to continue working closely to enhance bilateral ties and cooperation in multilateral organizations

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan had a telephone conversation with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the close relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates and pledged to further strengthen their multifaceted bilateral relationship.

According to an official handout circulated by the Prime Minister’s office in Islamabad, they discussed the coronavirus pandemic and focused on regional and international issues of mutual interest. 

Pakistan and the UAE have always cherished close relations and tried to broaden and deepen them by exchanging senior level official delegations.

The Gulf country rescued Pakistan's economy after Prime Minister Imran Khan assumed the top political office of his country and sought financial assistance from friendly nations.

Pakistan has a large diaspora community in the United Arab Emirates that sends second highest remittances to their homeland after the Pakistani population in Saudi Arabia.

"The Prime Minister and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed to continue working closely to enhance bilateral ties as well as cooperation in multilateral organizations," said the official statement.


Tariq confident Pakistan can bounce back after India drubbing

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Tariq confident Pakistan can bounce back after India drubbing

  • Pakistan suffered 61-run defat at India’s hands, must beat Namibia on Wednesday to advance further 
  • Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq says team has worked on mistakes, has resolved not to repeat them

COLOMBO: Spinner Usman Tariq said Tuesday he was confident that Pakistan can bounce back from their T20 World Cup drubbing against India and seal qualification for the next round.

India’s 61-run romp means Pakistan must beat Namibia in their final match in Colombo on Wednesday to qualify for the Super Eights.

A defeat would eliminate Pakistan, who are third behind the USA on net run rate in Group A.

It would also leave an outside chance for the Netherlands to qualify, but they would need a big win over co-hosts India in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

“Lifting the team is only difficult when you don’t work on your mistakes committed in the last game,” Tariq told reporters.

“We have worked on our mistakes so I think it will not be a tough task.

“We have a resolve not to commit the same mistakes again.”

Pakistan were criticized for asking India to bat then folding meekly for 114 in 18 overs chasing a stiff 176 target.

“We can feel their (fans’) disappointment because the match is watched by the whole nation,” Tariq said.

“So we feel their pain but I am sure when we play them (India) next we will put up a better show.”

Tariq dismissed rumors that batting star Babar Azam and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi could be dropped against Namibia after poor performances against India.

“Both Azam and Shaheen have won many matches for Pakistan so if they did not perform well in one game we should not write them off,” said Tariq.

Pakistan have faced Namibia only once before in a T20 international.

“Whoever we play we have the confidence to beat them and our goal is to play the final and win the cup which we will try our best to achieve.”

Namibia have lost all three of their group matches.