Government Assures Support for Affected Citizens and Families
The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday that approximately 3,500 Pakistani nationals were deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for allegedly violating social media regulations during the recent Iran-US conflict.
Responding to questions during the parliamentary Question Hour, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government was providing all possible assistance to the affected individuals and their families. He emphasized that the deportations resulted from the UAE’s enforcement of its domestic laws and were not specifically targeted at Pakistani citizens.
The minister noted that Pakistani authorities remain engaged in supporting those impacted by the measures and are maintaining communication through relevant diplomatic channels.
During the session, lawmakers also raised concerns regarding the welfare of Pakistanis imprisoned abroad. In response, Chaudhry stated that no Pakistani citizens are currently on death row in Spain, Portugal, or the United Kingdom, pointing out that capital punishment has been abolished in those countries.
Illegal Migration and Overseas Prisoner Issues Also Discussed
Meanwhile, the minister informed the House that Pakistani embassies and consulates in several countries have established dedicated sections to assist incarcerated nationals. These units regularly visit prisons, address concerns raised by detainees, and help secure legal representation for those unable to afford lawyers.
He further revealed that under an existing prisoner transfer agreement with the United Kingdom, nine Pakistani prisoners were repatriated during 2024 and 2025.
Addressing another issue, Chaudhry said efforts were continuing to secure the release of Pakistani nationals reportedly stranded due to incidents involving Somali pirates. He added that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was personally overseeing the matter.
The discussion also focused on the growing challenge of illegal migration. The minister warned that undocumented migration had contributed to numerous tragedies, particularly among individuals attempting dangerous journeys to Europe through Libya and certain Gulf states.
According to Chaudhry, the government has intensified efforts to curb human smuggling networks. Acting on directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, authorities have taken disciplinary action against officials accused of facilitating illegal migration, resulting in the dismissal of 100 officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Lawmakers called for continued vigilance and stronger measures to protect Pakistani citizens both at home and abroad.
