ISLAMABAD:
The alleged expulsion of Pakistani nationals from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) sparked a heated debate in the Senate on Thursday, with the opposition warning of serious economic consequences of the development.
However, the government disputed the magnitude of the figures and promised a verified date would be presented to Parliament.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry informed the Senate that there was no evidence to suggest that Pakistanis were specifically targeted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), saying the reported expulsions were part of administrative measures taken by the UAE authorities.
Responding to a notice of appeal moved by Leader of Opposition Raja Nasir Abbas, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri and Senator Azam Khan Swati, the minister said Pakistan and the UAE shared long-standing fraternal relations and the Pakistani community, comprising over two million people, was the second largest foreign community residing there.
The issue was raised by Leader of Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, who expressed deep concern over the situation and called for immediate diplomatic engagement with the UAE, as well as legal assistance for affected Pakistani workers.
Raja Nasir Abbas said around 2,000 people were reportedly expelled from the UAE, adding that their bank accounts and financial assets were blocked or inaccessible.
He further said that the affected people included citizens of Kurram Agency and South Punjab.
He said nearly 164,000 Pakistanis had been expelled from the UAE and warned that such large-scale expulsions would directly harm Pakistan’s economy at a time of high inflation.
He urged the government to immediately begin diplomatic negotiations with the UAE to resolve the issue and provide support to affected citizens.
He further stressed that the government must take immediate steps to resolve the difficulties faced by the deported Pakistanis.
Responding in the House, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government would present complete and verified figures in Parliament after receiving detailed data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said Pakistan and the UAE enjoy strong bilateral relations.
He informed the lawmakers that as per available reports, 3,494 people had been deported, adding that Pakistanis with valid visas were legally employed in the UAE.
The minister said that in cases of illegal stay, Pakistani embassies were informed by UAE authorities and some expulsions were linked to involvement in criminal activities.
He added that economic conditions had also forced some Pakistani workers to lose their jobs abroad.
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry further said that things are sometimes exaggerated on social media, causing unnecessary public concern.
He also informed the House that as per available information on wider regional developments, four Pakistanis were killed and 27 were injured in the Iran-US conflict situation.
