A strong political debate erupted in Pakistan’s National Assembly after opposition lawmakers raised serious concerns over the alleged deportation of thousands of Pakistanis from the United Arab Emirates. The issue triggered heated exchanges in parliament, with opposition leaders demanding immediate diplomatic intervention and a review of the government’s foreign policy approach toward Gulf countries.
The matter has now officially been referred to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs for detailed discussion and recommendations.
Opposition Claims Thousands of Pakistanis Deported From UAE
During the parliamentary session in Islamabad, lawmakers from the opposition benches expressed alarm over reports that a large number of Pakistani expatriates had allegedly been detained, deported, or subjected to harsh treatment in the UAE despite holding valid legal documents.
Shehryar Afridi, backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, urged the government to take urgent diplomatic steps to ease tensions between Pakistan and the UAE.
He argued that overseas Pakistanis working in Gulf countries, especially in the UAE, continue to play a critical role in supporting Pakistan’s economy through billions of dollars in remittances every year.
Afridi warned that deteriorating relations with friendly countries could directly impact Pakistani workers, employment opportunities, and foreign exchange inflows.
Shehryar Afridi Calls for Diplomatic Engagement
Addressing the assembly, Shehryar Afridi claimed that certain elements were creating misunderstandings between Pakistan and the UAE, two countries traditionally considered close allies.
He urged the federal government to engage diplomatic mediators and improve communication with Emirati authorities to prevent further complications for Pakistani expatriates.
Afridi also criticized Mohsin Naqvi, stating that current policies did not reflect the realities faced by ordinary Pakistanis abroad.
The PTI-backed leader additionally linked the issue to broader concerns about governance, law and order, and national security, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Sher Afzal Marwat Raises Concerns Over Parliament’s Authority
Another outspoken opposition lawmaker, Sher Afzal Marwat, questioned whether parliament currently possessed enough independence and authority to effectively address critical national issues.
He alleged that nearly 18,000 Pakistanis had reportedly been deported from the UAE and claimed that deportations were still ongoing. According to Marwat, members of a particular sect were also allegedly among those affected.
His remarks intensified the debate inside the assembly and sparked wider political discussion on social media platforms.
Overseas Pakistanis Described as Economic Backbone
PTI-supported legislator Sahibzada Sibghatullah emphasized the importance of overseas Pakistanis living in Gulf states. He stated that many Pakistanis in the UAE and neighboring countries were allegedly facing arrests, imprisonment, and deportation despite having proper documentation.
The lawmaker claimed several expatriates were being mistreated before deportation and urged the government to immediately intervene through diplomatic channels.
Members across opposition benches highlighted how overseas Pakistanis continue to sustain Pakistan’s fragile economy through remittances, foreign investment, and employment generation.
Matter Referred to Foreign Affairs Committee
Presiding over the session, Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah referred the deportation issue to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs for comprehensive deliberation.
The committee is expected to examine the allegations, assess diplomatic concerns, and potentially seek clarification from relevant government departments regarding Pakistan-UAE relations and the treatment of Pakistani nationals abroad.
Fuel Prices and Iranian Petrol Also Spark Debate
Alongside the UAE deportation issue, lawmakers also debated rising petroleum prices and fuel policies during the session.
Parliamentary Secretary for Petroleum Division Mian Khan Bugti stated that recent petroleum pricing decisions had been made while considering conditions set by the International Monetary Fund.
He clarified that no GST was currently being imposed on petroleum products and announced that the government was exploring relief measures for consumers, including possible subsidies for motorcycle users.
However, lawmaker Usman Badini criticized repeated fuel price hikes and questioned restrictions on Iranian petrol imports. He argued that Iranian fuel remained significantly cheaper and accused authorities of failing to provide meaningful relief to the public.
Political and Economic Pressure Continues to Grow
The latest National Assembly debate reflects increasing political pressure on the government over foreign relations, economic management, inflation, and overseas Pakistani concerns.
As remittances remain a crucial pillar of Pakistan’s economy, opposition parties are demanding immediate diplomatic engagement to protect Pakistani workers abroad and preserve strategic ties with Gulf nations.
The Foreign Affairs Committee is now expected to play a central role in investigating the deportation allegations and recommending future policy responses. The source of this news is Pakistan Today.
