The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is introducing heavy penalties, including the cancellation of visas or deportation, to tackle misinformation and hate speech targeting Pakistani government authorities and institutions, it has emerged.

 

According to reports, any UAE-based Pakistanis found involved in online propaganda, trolling or criticism against the Pakistani government or state authorities could pay a heavy price. 

 

“Beware our dear brothers and sisters residing in UAE or other Gulf countries. It is not the same as before. You can’t share or post wrong or biased information about your country, politicians and state institutions. It is not allowed,” Consul General of UAE in Karachi Dr Bakheet Ateeq Al Rumaithi warned in a recent interview.

 

He further said that authorities in the UAE could also take action against those involved.

 

Giving examples of those convicted so far, Dr Bakheet said that four to five people had been awarded life sentences by a UAE court. “Some 10 to 15 people have been sentenced to jail for 14 to 15 years while so many have been deported.”

 

Additionally, he cautioned Pakistanis that they could even face action for the posts they like or share because all of it can be accessed by authorities and show on their records when applying for a UAE visa.