'Dubai may become part of Akhand Bharat': Pakistan Senator Mushahid Hussain after UAE demands $3.5 billion loan repayment

Pakistan Senator Mushahid Hussain has sparked controversy by warning the United Arab Emirates to be cautious in its deepening ties with India, suggesting that its large Indian expatriate population could make it a part of “Akhand Bharat”, even as Pakistan moves to repay billions of dollars in loans to the Gulf nation.

The remarks come against the backdrop of Islamabad’s decision to repay USD 3.5 billion in loans to the UAE, a move driven by Abu Dhabi’s reported request for immediate settlement and Pakistan’s effort to manage bilateral financial commitments under its ongoing International Monetary Fund programme. The repayment is set to be completed before the end of the month, according to a senior Pakistani official cited by Dawn.

Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, currently estimated at around USD 16.3 billion, could decline by nearly 18% due to the repayment, raising concerns over external buffers and import cover. However, officials have described the repayment as a matter of “national dignity” despite economic strain.


Amid this financial backdrop, Mushahid Hussain defended the repayment in an interview with Dunya News, framing it as a “brotherly rescue” for the UAE and rejecting criticism of Pakistan’s decision.

Mushahid Hussain’s remarks on UAE ties and repayment

Senator Mushahid Hussain said Pakistan has a moral responsibility to support the UAE, citing historical ties and cooperation since the era of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He said, “Pakistan took the right decision. Our UAE brothers are in need and helpless. We took loans from them and are repaying them in times of crisis. We have always helped them. Pakistan played an important role in building the UAE. We trained their armed forces. We have good relations since the time of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (the founding father and first president of the United Arab Emirates).”

He further said, “They are stuck and helpless now. They gave US President Donald Trump USD 150 billion. They are also stuck in wars in Yemen and Sudan. It’s our responsibility to help them.”

Mushahid Hussain also raised concerns over the UAE’s demographic structure and strategic alignment, stating, “Your population is 10 million; out of that, 4.3 million are from India,” and warning, “Pay attention that the friendly ties with them do not land you up as part of Akhand Bharat.”

He alleged that Pakistan has historically contributed to the UAE’s development, including training its armed forces, and argued that current circumstances demand continued support.

Debt repayment context and economic implications

The UAE has reportedly sought immediate repayment of USD 3.5 billion extended through the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development in 2019, which was aimed at stabilising Pakistan’s balance of payments. Pakistan is currently under an IMF programme requiring USD 12.5 billion in loan rollovers from key partners including China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Officials have acknowledged that repayment could significantly impact Pakistan’s external reserves but maintain that bilateral commitments and “national dignity” remain the priority. The Finance Ministry has said it is “continuously monitoring and managing Pakistan’s external flows to ensure stable foreign exchange reserves.”

(With inputs from ANI)