Latest news with #ZafarIqbal
Arab Times
25-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
‘Pakistan fully backs Kuwait's efforts for regional stability'
KUWAIT CITY, June 25: Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Kuwait Dr. Zafar Iqbal has affirmed the strength of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Kuwait as well as the depth of historical, social and economic ties that bind the two countries, indicating these relations are based on mutual respect and a shared vision for a future of peace and prosperity. This came in a speech that the Ambassador delivered Thursday night at a celebration organized by the Pakistani Embassy on the occasion of the 85th National Day of Pakistan. Present at the event were Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel, and many ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic corps. Iqbal pointed out that the skilled Pakistani workforce in Kuwait, particularly in the construction and services sectors, is regarded as a vital bridge between the two countries and contributes significantly to supporting the Kuwaiti economy. He confirmed his country's aspiration for a broader Kuwaiti partnership in the national development process of Pakistan. He expressed his gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, as well as the government and people of Kuwait, for their generosity, hospitality, and continuous support for the Pakistani community. He also praised the role of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially the Department of Asian Affairs, in strengthening bilateral relations. Regarding regional affairs, he expressed his country's concern about the current situation, while appreciating the balanced and supportive positions of Kuwait towards peaceful solutions. He added that Pakistan reaffirms its full support for the efforts of Kuwait to maintain regional security and stability. On Pakistan's National Day, he stated that it is an occasion to celebrate the national identity and commemorate the historic Lahore Resolution of 1940, which paved the way for the establishment of a State where Muslims in the subcontinent could live in dignity and freedom. He said the occasion is considered an opportunity to express appreciation for the longstanding relations between Pakistan and Kuwait, which are getting stronger day by day through close cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, information technology, and tourism. He then expressed his concern over the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza, which has resulted in heavy losses of innocent civilian lives. 'Pakistan calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and reaffirms its unwavering support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian State on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital,' he asserted. In conclusion, he praised the contributions of the Pakistani community in Kuwait, considering them a source of pride for both countries. He also called for continuous joint work toward a more just, peacefu,l and dignified world.
Arab Times
23-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Flow of Pakistani medics to Kuwait to continue
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: Pakistani Ambassador to Kuwait Zafar Iqbal expressed pride in the strong and active Pakistani community residing in Kuwait, stressing that Pakistanis around the world continue to contribute significantly to their homeland through remittances. In a press statement, Iqbal affirmed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia remain the largest sources of remittances to Pakistan due to their sizable Pakistani populations. He was quick to add, though, that Kuwait also plays a vital role. 'Between July 2024 and April 2025 alone, Pakistan received $718 million in remittances from Kuwait. If this figure is divided by the number of Pakistanis here -- estimated at 93,000 -- Kuwait ranks first globally in terms of remittances per capita from Pakistani communities abroad. This is the highest per capita remittance rate among all countries with Pakistani expatriates,' he added, citing publicly available data from the State Bank of Pakistan. He then explained that population estimates used for these calculations were provided by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and that the comparison strictly focused on remittances from Pakistani communities, not other nationalities such as Indians, Bangladeshis or Egyptians. On the possible arrival of additional Pakistani healthcare workers, he confirmed that 'the deployment of Pakistani medical and healthcare personnel to Kuwait is an ongoing process. We continue to provide support based on the staffing needs communicated by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health.' When asked about the status of visa issuance for Pakistanis, Iqbal stated that 'as of May 1, visa procedures for Pakistani nationals have been facilitated. We look forward to seeing more professionals from Pakistan join the Kuwaiti labor market and meet the needs of local companies.'
Business Recorder
19-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
FGEHA auctions commercial plots in Sector G-13 and G-14
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) successfully conducted a grand auction of commercial plots in Sectors G-13 and G-14 on June 18, 2025, at Aura Grande, Sector E-11, Islamabad. A large number of investors participated in the auction. Approximately 20 commercial plots were presented for auction, out of which six Class-III commercial plots were successfully auctioned, generating substantial revenue for the Authority — a record achievement in its history. On the occasion, Director General FGEHA, Capt Zafar Iqbal (retd), stated that keeping in view the convenience of investors, a One Window Cell has been established. This facility will provide comprehensive support for plot possession, transfer, and layout plan (LOP) issues — all under one roof. The facility is available round-the-clock for information and services; however, the dedicated team will be available between 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM daily to assist investors with all kinds of services. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
India.com
14-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
This Muslim nation ends 19-year visa ban on Pakistan, welcomes Pakistanis for..., country name is...
This Muslim nation ends 19-year visa ban on Pakistan, welcomes Pakistanis for…, country name is… Kuwait: What comes as a big relief to Pakistan, Gulf country Kuwait has lifted the 19-year-old visa ban on Pakistani citizens. Before this development, citizens of Pakistan could not apply for a Kuwait visa. This decision by the Muslim-majority country has opened up ample opportunities for Pakistanis to get jobs there. Citizens of Pakistan will now be able to work in Kuwait in sectors such as healthcare, oil, and skilled labour. At the same time, this decision will also improve Kuwait's bilateral relationship with Pakistan. According to Gulf News, Kuwait, which is facing a growing demand for skilled workers, has started recruiting professionals from Pakistan. The recruitment includes 1,200 nurses. The resumption of visas will create many opportunities for Pak people in Kuwait. They can now apply for Kuwaiti visas including work, family visit, dependent, tourist and commercial categories. Relations with Pakistan will improve Visa applications will now be available through Kuwait's online platform, so Pakistani citizens can visit the website and apply for the suitable visa. According to Pakistan's Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Zafar Iqbal, it is a milestone decision in Pakistan-Kuwait relations. Reopening the visa channel for Pakistanis will help in meeting Kuwait's labour needs but will also benefit several families in Pakistan. Thousands of skilled Pakistani workers will gain new employment opportunities in Kuwait, fostering increased economic cooperation between the two nations. This renewed access to Kuwaiti markets also benefits Pakistani businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors. Beyond economic benefits, this development is expected to strengthen people-to-people ties. As per reports, both countries are also discussing a new labour memorandum of understanding (MoU). This MoU aims to protect the rights of Pakistani workers in Kuwait, providing more structured and secure framework for labour migration. Reopening Visa channels for Pakistanis will also bolster trade and investment between the two countries.
India.com
10-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
Big relief for Pakistan! This Muslim country lifts visa ban on Pakistani nationals after 19 years, opening massive job opportunities in oil, healthcare and…
Big relief for Pakistanis: This Muslim country lifts visa ban on Pakistan after 19 years, opening up many job opportunities in oil, healthcare and... After nearly 19 years, Kuwait has finally lifted the visa ban on citizens from Pakistan, bringing big relief to many who plans to work here for better opportunities. For a long time, Pakistanis were not allowed to apply for visas to Kuwait but now, this decision opens up many job opportunities for them, especially in Kuwait's healthcare, oil, and skilled labor sectors. This move is also expected to improve relations between the two countries. According to Gulf News, Kuwait is facing a shortage of skilled workers and has started hiring professionals from Pakistan. In fact, the first group of 1,200 nurses from Pakistan has already been sent. Now that Kuwait has restarted work, family, tourist, and business visas for Pakistanis, citizens in Pakistan can now apply for various visa types, including work, family visit, dependent, tourist, and commercial categories and it will therefore be easier for them to travel, find jobs, or join family members there. Kuwait-Pakistan ties set to improve Pakistan's Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Zafar Iqbal called this decision a major milestone in strengthening relations between the two countries. He said reopening visa services will not only meet Kuwait's demand for workers but also benefit thousands of families in Pakistan. With the ban lifted, many new job opportunities have opened up for skilled Pakistani workers in Kuwait. This move could also lead to stronger economic cooperation between the two nations. Pakistani businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors will now have better access to Kuwaiti markets. Experts believe this step goes beyond the economy as it also helps connect people from both sides. Kuwait and Pakistan are currently discussing a new labor agreement (MoU). The aim is to ensure fair and safe working conditions for Pakistani workers in Kuwait. This agreement will offer a better structure for labor migration and is expected to boost trade and investment between the two countries.
