Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary informed the Senate that approximately 3,494 Pakistani nationals were deported from the United Arab Emirates between January and April this year.
However, no evidence indicated that Pakistanis were being deliberately targeted by UAE authorities.
These remarks were made by the parliamentary affairs minister while responding to a calling attention notice raised by opposition lawmakers, including Raja Nasir Abbas, Samina Mumtaz Zehri, and Azam Swati.
According to the minister, some of the deported individuals were involved in criminal activities. Although others were removed due to administrative measures enforced by the UAE government.
He further stated that these deportations should not be interpreted as discrimination against Pakistani citizens by noting that more than two million Pakistanis currently live and work in the UAE.
The minister explained that the Gulf country is a sovereign state and has implemented certain administrative policies following regional tensions linked to the conflict between Iran and US.
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also dismissed reports claiming Pakistanis were being unfairly treated in the UAE. He described such claims as misleading and as creating unnecessary concern.
Moreover, earlier, Raja Nasir Abbas expressed serious concerns over the situation of many Pakistanis being forcibly deported while their bank accounts, assets, and financial holdings remained in the UAE. He also claimed that several Pakistanis were being mistreated and imprisoned there.
Furthermore, Nisar Abbas also added that he possessed a list containing the names of nearly 2,000 allegedly deported individuals.
The matter was later referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs by Sherry Rehman. Rehman is presiding over the session, and suggested that the committee discuss the matter in a closed-door meeting.
Separately, the Senate was informed through a written response that the federal government had spent over Rs6 billion on advertisements in print and electronic media between 2022 and 2025. Officials stated that print media received more than Rs385 million and electronic media outlets were paid over Rs5.66 billion during that period.
Additionally, the session also witnessed protests by PTI senators regarding restrictions on meetings with jailed party founder Imran Khan. This spread security concerns in Islamabad.
Also read: UAE Work Visa in 2026: Latest and easy guide here
