Helping hand: Abu Dhabi Fund keen to assist Pakistan

Senior officials express support for Nawaz Sharif in his economic vision.

ISLAMABAD: The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development will support Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) chief Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in his efforts to revive the shattered economy and address the myriad of challenges confronting the country, said a senior official of the Fund here Tuesday.

“Of course we are looking for partnering with the government of Pakistan in its efforts to improve the economy,” alAdil alHosani, Director Operations of Abu Dhabi Fund, said at the annual international day function of Sheikh Zayed International Academy here. The Fund was set up at the initiative of late president of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan alNahayan in 1971 for creating a favorable environment for sustained economic development of the developing countries by addressing their needs for realizing the goal.

Education is the catalyst for bolstering growth of the developing nations, including Pakistan, said alHosani. AlHosani specially flew in from the UAE to inaugurate two hostels for teachers and students, and ribbon cutting for a swimming pool of the Sheikh Zayed Academy built with assistance from the Fund.



The schools provide quality education up to A-Level to students hailing from diverse cultures from across the globe. Wafaa Abdul Ghafar, principal of the academy, took alHosani around the sprawling institution and  explained to him its contribution in promoting tolerance and respect for various cultures, which have acquired an added importance in the global village.

Asked if the Fund would back would-be Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s vow on Monday to divert all his energies to revive the national economy facing serious challenges, alHosani said Pakistan had already benefited from the Abu Dhabi Fund, which had undertaken many development projects for progress of the brotherly country. Pakistan and the UAE enjoy very warm and robust relations. The UAE has undertaken various projects across the country indicative of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to further cement their relationship. It has always been forthcoming in helping Pakistan in times of distress like flash flood or devastating quake of 2005, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15^th, 2013.

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