Pakistan Senator Mushahid Hussain took a jibe at the Gulf nation’s situation, claiming it was “stuck and helpless” and in need of support. “Our UAE brothers are in need and helpless… We took loans from them and are repaying them in times of crisis,” he said.
Mushahid Hussain Syed. (Picture: IANS)
Pakistan Senator Mushahid Hussain, in a provocative defence, mocked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over Islamabad’s decision to repay billions in loans, portraying the move as Pakistan rescuing a “helpless” ally rather than meeting a financial obligation.
During an interview, Hussain took a jibe at the Gulf nation’s situation, claiming it was “stuck and helpless” and in need of support. “Our UAE brothers are in need and helpless… We took loans from them and are repaying them in times of crisis,” he said, framing the repayment as Pakistan’s moral responsibility to support the struggling friend.
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The remarks come as Pakistan prepares to return around $3.5 billion in loans to the UAE by the end of the month. The funds were part of financial assistance extended in 2019 through the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development to support Pakistan’s economy.
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Claims of UAE ‘crisis’ and financial strain
Hussain claimed the UAE was facing financial strain due to heavy outflows and instability in the region, arguing that its resources had been stretched by large external commitments and involvement in conflicts in West Asia.
He pointed to the UAE’s role in ongoing wars in Yemen and Sudan as factors that had, in his view, weakened its financial position. He also alleged that the country had extended $150 billion to US President Donald Trump, suggesting it had significantly depleted its reserves.
Claims Pakistan helped ‘build the UAE’
The senator also pointed to longstanding ties between the two countries, saying Pakistan had played a role in “building the UAE.”
He highlighted that Pakistani expertise contributed to training the UAE’s armed forces and said relations dated back to the time of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the country’s founding leader.
The comments come at a sensitive time in Pakistan-UAE relations, as Abu Dhabi has reportedly sought early repayment of loans, reflecting a more transactional approach in its foreign engagements.
Hussain’s remarks, however, have added a provocative dimension to the situation, framing the repayment as Pakistan aiding a struggling partner rather than fulfilling a financial commitment.
Controversial remarks on India-UAE ties
Hussain also drew attention for his comments on the UAE’s ties with India, warning about the growing Indian expatriate population in the Gulf nation.
Referring to demographic figures, he cautioned that close relations should not pose risks to the UAE’s sovereignty, invoking the idea of “Akhand Bharat” in his remarks.
“Your population is 10 million; out of that, 4.3 million are from India,” Hussain noted. “Pay attention that the friendly ties with them do not land you up as part of Akhand Bharat.”
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