Pakistan–UAE Relations Strained by Mistrust Sparked by Islamabad’s Erratic Diplomacy: Report

Islamabad — Relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been increasingly strained due to Islamabad’s inconsistent diplomatic conduct and strategic miscalculations, according to a report by Al Arabiya Post.

The report states that Pakistan’s fluctuating stance on important regional issues has made it appear unreliable and unpredictable in the UAE’s strategic outlook. While the UAE has transformed into a pragmatic, economically focused, and stability-driven global actor, Pakistan continues to be influenced by ideological rigidity and domestic political pressures, often clashing with the UAE’s priorities.

Growing Mistrust and Diplomatic Fault Lines

According to the report, the longstanding relationship—built on cultural, religious, and historical ties—has been undermined by deepening mistrust. The UAE’s modern, secular-leaning governance model is increasingly out of sync with Pakistan’s diplomacy, which is often shaped by internal politics rather than long-term strategy.

This mismatch, the report notes, has created major fault lines, turning what could have been a natural alliance into a relationship marked by suspicion, limited economic enthusiasm, and diplomatic friction.

Economic Tensions and Retaliatory Measures

Economically, Pakistan’s dependency on the UAE is substantial—especially in the form of remittances from Pakistani workers. However, political tensions have prompted the UAE to tighten visa rules, complicate residency renewals, and temporarily halt visas for Pakistani nationals, signalling its frustration with Islamabad’s behaviour.

Despite bilateral trade reaching $10.9 billion in 2023–24, Pakistani officials have reported that UAE investors withdrew $1 million in late 2025, reflecting diminishing confidence in Pakistan’s economic stability.

Military Cooperation Failing to Translate into Strategic Trust

Although Pakistan’s military contributions to the Gulf region are notable, the cooperation has not evolved into a stable, long-term strategic partnership with the UAE. The UAE now increasingly aligns its defense and security interests within multipolar regional frameworks, whereas Pakistan has struggled to adapt to these evolving dynamics.

The report warns that Pakistan risks being reduced to a purely transactional partner, rather than a trusted ally, unless its diplomatic approach becomes more consistent and pragmatic.

A Relationship at a Crossroads

The Al Arabiya Post analysis concludes that the Pakistan–UAE relationship is hindered by Islamabad’s inability to align with Gulf expectations for stability, predictability, and economic vision. While cultural ties, trade, and remittances continue to bind the two countries, Pakistan’s confrontational rhetoric, inconsistent diplomacy, and strategic missteps have weakened trust.

In the Gulf’s current diplomatic climate—where clear strategies and steady engagement are valued—Pakistan’s erratic positions have increasingly positioned it as an unreliable and risky partner for the UAE.

With inputs from IANS