By Dr. Ansab Ali
Lahore, Pakistan

KARACHI: The suspension of visa issuance by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Pakistani nationals is beginning to adversely affect Pakistan’s exports and international trade, with business leaders warning that the restrictions could significantly reduce the country’s participation in global trade events.

Founder Chairman of the Salt Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SMAP), Ismail Suttar, said the UAE is currently not issuing visas to Pakistani citizens under any category, creating serious difficulties for exporters, traders and business delegations.

He noted that the reasons behind the restrictions have not been officially communicated, leaving the business community uncertain about the future of commercial engagement with one of Pakistan’s most important trading partners.

According to Suttar, the uncertainty has already disrupted preparations for Gulfood 2027, one of the world’s largest food and beverage trade exhibitions, scheduled to be held in Dubai early next year. He warned that many Pakistani food companies are likely to skip the event because of concerns that their sales teams and business representatives may be unable to obtain UAE visas.

“When sales representatives cannot secure visas, companies lose the opportunity to showcase their products, meet international buyers and explore new export markets,” he said, adding that the continued restrictions could undermine Pakistan’s efforts to expand its exports in regional and global markets.

Ismail Suttar urged the Government of Pakistan to engage immediately with the UAE authorities through diplomatic channels to resolve the issue. He stressed that facilitating the movement of Pakistani exporters and business professionals is essential to protecting the country’s trade interests and preventing further losses to the export sector.

He cautioned that if the visa restrictions continue, Pakistan could lose valuable business opportunities, weaken its presence at major international trade exhibitions and allow competing countries to capture markets traditionally served by Pakistani exporters.