Pakistan–UAE ties strong and brotherly, based on trust and resilience: FO

• FO spokesperson rejects ‘negative aspersions’ over Pakistan–UAE ties as $8b trade, 2.2m diaspora anchor bilateral partnership

• Says UAE ties remain unaffected by external engagements, denying reports of Pakistani workers’ mass expulsions

• Welcomes rising voices in India calling for dialogue with Pakistan, reiterating hope for end to regional ‘warmongering’ narrative

• Rebukes ‘do more’ framing, saying China backs Pakistan’s mediation role

• 10 Pakistanis remain held as Somalia piracy crisis continues unresolved

 ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday described Pakistan’s relations with the United Arab Emirates as strong, brotherly and firmly rooted in mutual trust, saying the long-standing bond remains unaffected by any external engagements the Gulf state may have, while expressing full confidence in the durability of bilateral ties.

“There is ‘absolutely no question’ of any negative aspersions with respect to relations between Islamabad and Abu Dhabi as this relationship is based on mutual trust and this sentiment is also shared in Abu Dhabi,” said FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi during the weekly media briefing.

Weekly Press Briefing by the Spokesperson @TahirAndrabi

On Defence Relations with Gulf Countries & Pakistan Diaspora in the UAE pic.twitter.com/GxEaS5VK2N

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 14, 2026

He said Pakistan–UAE relations are “strong, brotherly and built on a solid foundation,” adding that the two countries share a 2.2 million-strong Pakistani diaspora in the UAE and maintain close cooperation across multiple sectors, with bilateral trade reaching around $8 billion.

Earlier in the day, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also said Pakistan’s relationship with the United Arab Emirates remained “absolutely fine.”

🔊 Transcript of the Weekly Press Briefing by the Spokesperson,Thursday May 14,2026 https://t.co/hhB1ChJPsU pic.twitter.com/HU54jM5Ll4

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 14, 2026

Several media reports in recent days had claimed that the Gulf country had begun a “large-scale expulsion” of Pakistani workers, particularly Shia workers, suggesting a shift in Pakistan–UAE ties. However, the Interior Ministry has already denied these claims.

 

India-Pakistan ties and dialogue signals

Referring to India, the FO spokesperson said calls within India for dialogue with Pakistan were a positive development and expressed hope that “warmongering” and “belligerence” would gradually fade, paving the way for constructive engagement.

He said voices within India advocating dialogue were encouraging and hoped that “sanity would prevail,” adding that persistent hostility would give way to more constructive approaches.

Weekly Press Briefing by the Spokesperson @TahirAndrabi

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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 14, 2026

When asked about reports of backchannel contacts between New Delhi and Islamabad, Andrabi said he was not aware of any such developments and declined to comment, noting that “if it were truly a backchannel, it would remain so by definition.”

He further recalled that tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after New Delhi blamed Islamabad without evidence for an attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam in April 2025. Pakistan strongly rejected the allegation and called for a neutral investigation.

Following the incident, India took a series of unilateral measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan responded by suspending trade, closing airspace for Indian flights and shutting the Wagah border.

Subsequently, India launched air strikes on Pakistan on May 6. In response, the Pakistan Air Force downed several Indian aircraft in air-to-air combat, with initial reports putting the number at five, later revised to eight.

After retaliatory strikes on both sides, a ceasefire was reached on May 10 with the intervention of the United States.

Weekly Press Briefing by the Spokesperson @TahirAndrabi

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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 14, 2026

 

China–Pakistan diplomatic clarification

The FO spokesperson also said certain media reports had “misrepresented” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent remarks during a call with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, stressing that the conversation was cordial and based on mutual understanding.

He said some reports incorrectly suggested that Pakistan was being asked to intensify mediation efforts under a “do more” framework, which was not accurate.

“Such reports misrepresent the call in both letter and spirit,” Andrabi said, adding that the discussion reflected “traditional warmth and cordiality.”

He said Wang Yi appreciated Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic role and expressed support for its mediation efforts, while also commending Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue and contributing to regional stability.

According to the FO, both sides underscored the importance of maintaining a durable ceasefire and ensuring safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

China, he added, reiterated support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts and expressed confidence in Islamabad’s role in promoting regional peace.

Despite reported slowdown in US–Iran diplomatic talks, Pakistan has continued its mediation efforts, maintaining engagement with regional and international stakeholders.

Earlier this week, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker met Ishaq Dar to discuss the evolving regional situation, while Dar also held a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, who reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s peace efforts.

United Nations Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Jean Arnault also met the deputy prime minister and was briefed on Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement.

 

Pakistanis held on Somali-pirated oil tanker

Responding to queries about Pakistani nationals aboard an oil tanker seized by Somali pirates, the FO spokesperson said the individuals remain in captivity and their release has not yet been secured.

Weekly Press Briefing by the Spokesperson @TahirAndrabi

On Pakistani Citizens Held Captives by Pirates in Somalia pic.twitter.com/7rUir4KIlx

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 14, 2026

The MT Honour 25, a Palau-flagged product tanker, was hijacked on April 21 about 30 nautical miles off Somalia’s Puntland region with 17 crew members on board, including 10 Pakistanis.

Andrabi said a two-member team from the Pakistani embassy in Djibouti had visited Mogadishu and held meetings with Somali foreign affairs, defence, naval and maritime authorities.

He said Pakistani nationals were reported to be safe and receiving food, although still in difficult conditions.

He added that negotiations were being conducted directly between pirates and the ship’s owner, with Somali authorities being kept informed.

“The pirates deal only with shipowners, not governments,” he said, adding that Pakistan is in contact with Somali authorities and continues efforts for the safe return of its nationals, calling the situation a pressing humanitarian concern.