In a sign of continuing kinship between Pakistan and the UAE, Prime Minister Imran Khan made a telephone call to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of the UAE, and thanked him for his understanding and support for Pakistan on the ongoing Financial Action Task Force (FATF) issue.

The FATF has Pakistan on its “grey list” of countries with inadequate controls over curbing money laundering and militant financing. But India wants Pakistan blacklisted, which would likely result in sanctions.

Pakistan has until October before the next FATF review to improve its counter-terror financing operations in line with an internationally agreed action plan.

Khan reaffirmed the importance Pakistan attaches to its strong fraternal ties with the UAE and close cooperation between the two countries. 

Earlier this year, Pakistan and the UAE finalized the terms and conditions of a support package of about $6.2 billion to Pakistan which included $3.2 billion worth of oil supplies on deferred payment, besides a $3 billion cash deposit.

Khan also thanked the crown prince for the UAE’s release of 700 Pakistani prisoners during Ramadan at the Prime Minister’s personal request — a move that was lauded by Pakistanis around the world.