The Ministry of Interior has dismissed reports claiming targeted deportation of Pakistani nationals from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), terming said reports “vicious propaganda”.
The clarification follows social media reports alleging that the UAE has been deporting Pakistani workers in recent weeks. Speculation increased after Pakistan repaid $3.5 billion in debt to the UAE last month on the Emirati leadership’s demand.
Amid a spike in related claims, the Interior Ministry stated on X that details and data do not support the reports.
“No country or sect specific deportations from any country including UAE are being carried out,” the ministry said in reference to additional reports that members of the Pakistani Shia community were being specifically targeted.
According to the government, deportations are a routine process based on the host country’s legal system. These actions typically involve violations of law, overstaying visas or illegal documentation.
The ministry added that Pakistanis meeting visa and work requirements continue to access the UAE and other countries without prejudice.
The government maintained that the news being shared on social media was fabricated to serve ulterior motives, and issues regarding citizens abroad were handled on a case-by-case basis through Foreign Office channels.
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also addressed commentary on the return of UAE financial deposits held with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). It described the repayment as a “routine financial transaction” conducted under bilateral commercial agreements.
The Foreign Office said that these deposits were placed to support Pakistan’s economic stability, and were now being returned on mutually agreed terms.
“Any attempt to portray it otherwise is erroneous and misleading,” the Foreign Office remarked.
Official statements emphasised that the partnership between Pakistan and the UAE was built on trade, investment and defence, and the Foreign Office reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening this relationship, noting that the two countries shared a partnership built on trust and strategic cooperation.
