‘UAE visa restrictions creating challenges for Pakistan’s exports’

The suspension of visa issuance by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Pakistani nationals has begun to take a heavy toll on Pakistan’s exports and international trade engagement, according to Ismail Suttar, Founder Chairman of the Salt Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SMAP). Speaking on the issue, Ismail Suttar said the UAE was currently not issuing visas to Pakistani citizens under any category, creating serious challenges for exporters, traders and business delegations. He added that the reasons behind the restrictions had not been officially communicated, leaving the business community uncertain about the future of commercial exchanges with one of Pakistan’s key trading partners.