By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE – President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry Mian Abuzar Shad has urged the Government of Pakistan to take immediate and concrete diplomatic steps to resolve the mounting challenges in the issuance of business and labor visas by the United Arab Emirates, Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
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The LCCI President said that continued delays and restrictions in visa issuance are causing serious disruptions to trade, investment and workforce mobility, which is affecting Pakistan’s overall economic prospects in the region.
Mian Abuzar Shad expressed deep concern over the growing number of complaints being received from businesspersons, exporters, investors and human resources who are facing significant obstacles in obtaining visas from these countries, which have traditionally been among Pakistan’s most important trade and labor partners.
He said that the business community is suffering due to the lack of access to key Gulf markets where Pakistan has deep-rooted commercial and labor ties. These restrictions are not only causing distress to our entrepreneurs but also harming Pakistan’s economic interests abroad.
He strongly urged the federal government to immediately initiate high-level diplomatic dialogue with the concerned countries to resolve these issues on an urgent basis. As a concrete step, he recommended that a special delegation led by a senior Federal Minister be sent to the UAE, Dubai and Saudi Arabia to engage directly with relevant authorities and advocate for the relaxation of current visa restrictions.
Mian Abuzar Shad also appealed the governments of these countries to take into consideration the historic economic, social and cultural ties they share with Pakistan. He said that thousands of Pakistani businesses operate in these regions and that a significant portion of Pakistan’s foreign remittances and exports are linked to the Gulf market. In light of this, any hurdles in the issuance of business and labor visas would not only dent Pakistan’s economy but could also affect the development of host countries that benefit from skilled Pakistani labor and investments.
“We urge the leadership of UAE, Dubai and Saudi Arabia to review their current visa policies toward Pakistan and facilitate genuine businesspeople and workers who contribute positively to their economies,” he added.
The LCCI President feared that if these issues are not addressed promptly, Pakistan may lose vital opportunities in trade, joint ventures, foreign investment and manpower export. The fallout would be particularly damaging for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which rely heavily on regional trade and on-ground presence for business expansion.
He also called on Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Commerce to coordinate and adopt a comprehensive foreign policy approach aimed at resolving these diplomatic and procedural barriers on a priority basis.
Mian Abuzar Shad said that Pakistan’s international trade, remittance inflows and diplomatic credibility are at stake. Visa facilitation is no longer a routine issue, it is an economic emergency that requires strategic and high-level attention from the state.
He pledged LCCI’s full support to the government in any initiative taken in this regard and expressed its willingness to engage with diplomatic missions, international chambers of commerce and relevant ministries to support the cause.
Meanwhile, The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Pakistan Products House have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing bilateral trade, industrial collaboration economic cooperation between Pakistan and African countries.
The MoU was formally signed by LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad and Managing Director of Pakistan Products House Shahid Sajjad Hussain. LCCI Executive Committee Members Khuram Lodhi and Ahsan Shahid were also present on the occasion.
Under the agreement, both organizations will work together to strengthen business-to-business cooperation and expand economic linkages based on mutual interests. The MoU also outlines the exchange of business reports, research studies, market surveys, magazines, newsletters other trade-related information to enhance mutual understanding of market dynamics and policy frameworks.
The two sides have agreed to jointly organize B2B meetings, trade exhibitions, seminars, conferences other trade-related events to build strong connections between the business communities of Pakistan and Africa.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad said that the agreement marks a significant step forward in boosting Pakistan’s exports and promoting “Made in Pakistan” products in emerging African markets. He noted that Africa presents vast untapped potential for Pakistani industries such collaborations can unlock new trade opportunities.
Shahid Sajjad Hussain, Managing Director of PPH, said that Pakistan Products House, established in six key cities across Africa, serves as a robust platform for showcasing high-quality Pakistani products. He said that the MoU will provide Pakistani exporters with enhanced access to new markets and buyers.
This strategic partnership is expected to open new doors for Pakistan’s business community looking to establish or expand their footprint in Africa. It is anticipated that this collaboration will not only boost exports but also strengthen bilateral economic ties between Pakistan and African nations.
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