The Foreign Office (FO) has officially confirmed that the United Arab Emirates has not introduced any new visa restrictions for Pakistani citizens. The clarification came during the weekly press briefing, where FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi dismissed reports circulating in the media and social platforms.
FO Clarifies Misreports, Highlights Key Diplomatic Engagements
According to the spokesperson, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Shafqat Ali Khan, also rejected claims of new restrictions, calling them inaccurate and outdated. Andrabi suggested that a parliamentary committee may have been briefed on old information, leading to unnecessary confusion. He reiterated that no new visa measures have been imposed on Pakistanis by the UAE authorities.
During the press briefing, Andrabi highlighted several diplomatic developments. He stated that the Prime Minister completed a two-day official visit to Bahrain, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. Additionally, Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, visited Pakistan, where he held extensive talks with the country’s leadership. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation on regional stability and global platforms.
The spokesperson also addressed Pakistan-Iran cooperation, confirming that consultations on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project are ongoing. He said both sides are committed to finding a mutually workable solution.
Pakistan Urges India to End Coercive Actions in Kashmir
Andrabi strongly condemned recent provocative remarks made by the Indian Defence Minister regarding Sindh. He reiterated Pakistan’s position that all issues with India should be resolved peacefully through dialogue. He cited a recent UN experts’ report highlighting human rights violations in occupied Kashmir, where 2,800 Kashmiris are currently detained.
Pakistan called upon India to end its coercive measures in the valley and release all detainees. Andrabi also expressed concern over the raising of a temple flag at the site of the demolished Babri Mosque. He condemned the increasing hate-driven actions targeting minorities, especially Muslims, across India.
The spokesperson further condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks in Gaza, stressing that innocent civilians, including women and children, continue to suffer heavy casualties.
Andrabi announced that Pakistan has been elected as a member of the OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons), marking a significant diplomatic achievement.
He concluded by reaffirming once again that the UAE has imposed no new visa restrictions on Pakistanis, and urged the public to disregard misleading reports.
