ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday rejected reports claiming that Pakistani nationals were being specifically targeted for deportation from the United Arab Emirates, describing the allegations as “vicious propaganda” spread by vested interests.
The clarification came from the interior ministry after social media reports alleged that Pakistani workers had recently been deported from the Gulf state in large numbers.
The speculation appeared to intensify after Pakistan repaid $3.5 billion in debt to the UAE last month, a move that reportedly added pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
In a post on X, the interior ministry said it had reviewed the available details and data and found the reporting to be “mala fide”.
The ministry stated that no country-specific or sect-specific deportations were being carried out by any country, including the UAE.
It explained that deportations, where they occurred, were part of routine procedures implemented under the host country’s laws and regulations. These could involve legal violations, visa overstays or issues related to illegal documentation.
The ministry further said that Pakistani citizens who fulfilled visa and employment requirements of host countries continued to travel to and obtain work visas for the UAE and other friendly nations without discrimination.
According to the statement, the “fake news being peddled” on social media regarding the alleged deportations was fabricated and malicious, aimed at serving ulterior motives.
It added that any matters concerning Pakistani nationals living abroad were handled individually through established diplomatic channels involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the relevant countries.
Separately, the Foreign Office had also dismissed reports related to Pakistan’s repayment of debt to the UAE, terming them “misleading and unfounded”.
In a statement issued last month, the Foreign Office said the funds from the UAE had been placed with the State Bank of Pakistan under bilateral commercial agreements.
The statement added that the deposits reflected the UAE’s continued support for Pakistan’s economic stability and prosperity.
The Foreign Office clarified that the Pakistani government, through the State Bank of Pakistan, was returning the matured deposits to the UAE in accordance with mutually agreed terms.
Calling it a routine financial transaction, the FO said any attempt to portray the repayment differently was “erroneous and misleading”.