National Assembly informed about deportations, consular support measures, and crackdown on illegal migration networks
The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expelled around 3,500 Pakistani nationals for allegedly violating social media regulations during the Iran-US conflict.
Responding during Question Hour, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told lawmakers that the government is extending full assistance to affected individuals and their families.
He said the deportations were linked to breaches of UAE’s social media laws during a sensitive regional situation and clarified that Pakistan is actively engaging with authorities to address related concerns.
Consular support for overseas Pakistanis
The minister also informed the House that Pakistani missions abroad, including in Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom, are actively supporting imprisoned nationals. He said there are currently no Pakistani prisoners on death row in these countries, where capital punishment has been abolished.
According to him, Pakistani embassies maintain dedicated consular sections that regularly visit jails, provide legal assistance, and support detainees who cannot afford legal representation.
He added that under a prisoner transfer agreement with the United Kingdom, nine Pakistani prisoners were repatriated during 2024 and 2025.
Efforts to secure release of stranded nationals
On the issue of Pakistanis stranded due to incidents involving Somali pirates, the minister said diplomatic efforts are ongoing to secure their safe release. He added that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is personally monitoring the situation.
Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq directed authorities to prioritise the matter and ensure swift progress.
Crackdown on illegal migration networks
The minister also highlighted government efforts to curb illegal migration, particularly routes leading to Europe via Libya and parts of the Gulf region.
He said undocumented migration has resulted in loss of lives and serious challenges for Pakistan’s international reputation.
On the Prime Minister’s directives, action has been taken against officials involved in human smuggling networks, resulting in the dismissal of 100 FIA personnel.
He added that airport screening systems have been strengthened to prevent illegal migration and improve border controls.
UAE action not targeted at Pakistanis, says minister
Responding to concerns, the minister clarified that the UAE’s actions were part of regulatory enforcement and not specifically targeted at Pakistani nationals.
Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Aoun Chaudhry also told the House that the number of deportations from the UAE remains small relative to the overall Pakistani community residing there.
He further briefed lawmakers on the case of a Pakistani national from Mardan allegedly killed in Italy, stating that the government is providing full support to the bereaved family, including repatriation of the body and financial assistance.
The embassy, he added, has been instructed to actively pursue the case with relevant Italian authorities.
