After declaring on 566-3 in their first innings in Abu Dhabi, Pakistan took further control by dismissing New Zealand for 262 on Tuesday.
Rahat was a big part of the designated hosts' success by finishing with figures of 4-22, including the wicket of Tom Latham, who made a maiden Test century with a knock of 103.
And Hafeez paid tribute to the 26-year-old, but warned there is still work to be done with the bat when Pakistan resume day four with a lead of 319.
"I personally believe he has given everything, he is an exceptionally good bowler, he is growing his confidence and he's performing very well even though, in the last series he didn't get that many wickets," he said.
"Still, we believe in the way he is bowling, the way he is not giving easy runs to the batsmen and he's putting all the pressure on them.
"We will take it, definitely we will take it, still we believe that we have to bat well for the 160-170 runs and then all the pressure will be on the opposition, because the pitch is really getting turn and also fourth day, fifth day is not easy to bat on."
Latham was delighted to get his first Test 100, but is well aware the tourists are up against it to avoid going behind in the three-match series.
"It's a little bit of confidence to know your technique and temperament is up to playing at this level and hopefully the next two Test matches I can continue that," he said.
"It was nice to get that milestone but you know there's a massive amount of work still to be done and our backs are up against the wall at the moment but you know, the characteristics that this team has are going to fight really well in the next two days."