Abu Dhabi Fund for Development will support Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif in his efforts to revive the shattered economy for addressing myriad challenges confronting the country, said a senior official of the Fund here Tuesday.
“Of course we are looking for partnership with the government of Pakistan in its efforts to improve the economy,” Al-Adil Al-Hosani, 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 UAE president Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahayan in 1971 for creating a favourable 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 Al-Adil. He specially flew in here from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to inaugurate two hostels for teachers and students, besides cutting ribbon for a swimming pool of the Sheikh Zayed Academy because these facilities were built with assistance from the Fund. It is providing quality education up to A-Level to students hailing from diverse cultures from across the globe.
Wafaa Abdul Ghafar, principal of the academy, built on the instructions of late UAE president, took Al-Adil 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.
Questioned 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, Al-Adil 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 as various projects across the country are 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.
Al-Adil appreciated the academy for imparting quality education in various disciplines and bringing together children from different countries, which helped them understand different cultures that promote tolerance. He praised the principal and the staff of academy for an outstanding stage performance of the children in showcasing diverse cultures and winning kudos from the participants, including diplomats from different countries.
