NA opposition raises alarm over deportation of Pakistanis from UAE

ISLAMABAD – Opposition members in the National Assembly has claimed that thousands of Pakistanis had recently been deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and urged the government to address the matter urgently. PTI-backed lawmaker Shehryar Afridi called on the government to engage mediators to help improve relations between Pakistan and the UAE. He alleged that certain elements were attempting to create divisions between the two countries and their people. Afridi said overseas Pakistanis, particularly from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other regions, were contributing significantly to the national economy through remittances sent from the UAE. Criticising Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, he claimed the minister’s policies did not reflect ground realities, adding that the law and order situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had deteriorated. Condemning terrorism originating from Afghanistan, Afridi suggested that the government should engage pro-Pakistan groups operating in the neighbouring country. He also urged the government not to isolate PTI leaders and supporters, stating that Pakistan belonged equally to all political parties, including PTI, PML-N, JUI-F and PPP. He further alleged that PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife were not being provided medical treatment in accordance with jail regulations. Another opposition member, Sher Afzal Marwat, questioned whether parliament had sufficient independence to legislate and address public issues. He claimed that around 18,000 Pakistanis, including members of a particular sect, had been deported from the UAE and that the process was continuing. PTI-supported lawmaker Sahibzada Sibghatullah said Pakistanis living in the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries were facing arrests, imprisonment and deportation despite possessing valid documents. He alleged that many were subjected to harsh treatment before being deported and urged the government to take the issue seriously. Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Sha