Pakistan Ambassador to Kuwait - H.E. Dr Zafar Iqbal
KUWAIT CITY, May 23: Pakistan's Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Dr. Zaffar Iqbal, has announced plans to bring 1,200 Pakistani nurses to Kuwait soon to support the country's healthcare sector. Dr. Iqbal revealed that an initial group of 125 nurses was scheduled to arrive last week. However, their arrival was delayed due to housing-related issues. He assured that special teams are actively working to resolve the matter, and the nurses are now expected to arrive within the coming days.
Dr. Iqbal announced a significant development in visa facilitation, stating, “I’m pleased to confirm that Kuwaiti authorities have resumed issuing a wide range of visas to Pakistani nationals—including work, family visit, dependent, tourist, and commercial visas—starting this May. Community members have already begun receiving approvals, marking a positive step forward. He also revealed that Pakistan and Kuwait are in advanced stages of finalizing a new labor memorandum of understanding (MoU). “Some aspects of the agreement are already being implemented ahead of its formal signing,” he said.
Dr. Zafar Iqbal, expressed profound pride following his official meeting with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah during the presentation of his diplomatic credentials. The ambassador emphasized that the encounter reflected the deep-rooted historical and fraternal ties between the two nations, which he described as “far from ordinary.”
“The bond between Pakistan and Kuwait dates back to before the creation of modern Pakistan and even predates Kuwait’s own statehood,” said Dr. Iqbal. “There were early human and economic connections, and with the discovery of oil, thousands of Pakistani engineers and workers contributed to building Kuwait’s infrastructure in the 1960s and 1970s—a role we are proud to continue.”
Describing Kuwaitis as “people who steal your heart with their kindness,” Ambassador Iqbal affirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation across various sectors.
Dr. Iqbal highlighted the strong presence of the Pakistani community in Kuwait, numbering over 93,000. “Our citizens are making valuable contributions, particularly in the healthcare and education sectors,” he noted, describing the community as “exemplary and respected.”
Reflecting on the sentiment in his home country, the ambassador said, “Across Pakistan’s 1,800 kilometers, Kuwait is regarded as a land of peace and goodwill. The affection for the Al-Sabah leadership is deep and genuine—this mutual love only strengthens our people-to-people connections.”
On economic collaboration, Ambassador Iqbal pointed to Pakistan’s vast potential in sectors like food security, agriculture, housing, and infrastructure. “We’re eager to support Kuwait’s Vision 2035 by sharing our expertise,” he stated. “Kuwait is the second-largest Gulf investor in Pakistan, after the UAE. Kuwaiti investors already own significant assets in Pakistan, including hotels—this speaks to their confidence in our business environment.”
Military and Diplomatic Cooperation
Touching on defense ties, Dr. Iqbal recalled Pakistan’s critical support to Kuwait after the Iraqi invasion. “Our forces participated in mine-clearing missions, and lives were lost in that effort. These sacrifices are etched in our shared history,” he said. “Pakistan’s military remains one of the world’s most experienced and capable.”
The ambassador highlighted the direct and warm lines of communication between both nations' leaderships. “In just six months, our Prime Minister has engaged with Kuwait’s leadership on multiple occasions, reflecting the strength of this partnership,” he said.
Praising Kuwait’s international diplomacy, Dr. Iqbal added, “Kuwait plays a crucial role in regional peace-building and global dialogue. We support its balanced foreign policy and work closely together at the United Nations. Kuwait’s endorsement of Pakistan’s recent UN Security Council bid—where we secured 182 of 194 votes—was a testament to our mutual respect and cooperation.”
Looking Ahead
In conclusion, Ambassador Iqbal reaffirmed his focus on deepening economic ties. “With an excellent community here and strong bilateral goodwill, my goal is to expand partnerships in trade, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and IT. We’re close to signing the labor MoU, and I’m confident we’ll see concrete progress on the ground very soon.”
