Pakistan’s first ambassador to UAE dies at 88

Al Ain: Jamiluddin Hassan, Pakistan’s first ambassador to the UAE, yesterday died at a hospital in Abu Dhabi following a lengthy illness. He was 88.

Hassan was a career diplomat who arrived in Abu Dhabi as a trade commissioner of Pakistan on July 11, 1971. He also served as political adviser to Shaikh Zayed. Hassan later became Pakistan’s first ambassador to the UAE and served till 1977.

Hassan retired when General Zia ul Haq imposed martial law in Pakistan and settled down in Abu Dhabi.

He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. Funeral prayers for Hassan were offered yesterday at the Shaikh Khalifa Hospital.

Architect of relations

Asif Ali Durani, Pakistan’s current ambassador to the UAE, attended the funeral prayers along with a large section of the Pakistani community.

He said Hassan was a veteran diplomat who earned a great deal of respect both in Pakistan and abroad. “His death is a great loss to his well-wishers and the Pakistani community.”

He added that Hassan played an important role in promoting bilateral relations between Pakistan and the UAE.

Akhtar Butt, a close family friend, said Hassan was the chief architect of Pakistan-UAE relations. “I was shocked to hear the news this morning,” he said.

Hassan also played a leading role in the welfare of the Pakistani community in the UAE. He helped the community in securing a piece of land in Abu Dhabi for the Pakistan Social Centre in 1972, Butt said.

Dr Talat Mehmood, a Pakistani community leader in Abu Dhabi, said Hassan was a father figure whose death has saddened the entire community.

He said Hassan had helped Pakistan establish strong relations with the UAE.