ISLAMABAD: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry informed the Senate on Thursday that 3,494 Pakistanis were deported from the United Arab Emirates between January and April 2026.

The minister was responding to a calling attention notice moved by opposition senators Raja Nasir Abbas, Samina Mumtaz Zehri, and Azam Swati. He stated there was no evidence that Pakistani nationals were being specifically targeted by UAE authorities.

Chaudhry clarified that the deportees included individuals involved in criminal cases as well as those returned under routine administrative actions. He noted that the UAE, as a sovereign state, applies its own laws, particularly in the context of heightened security measures following the Iran-US conflict.

“These deportations cannot be linked to any discriminatory policy against Pakistani nationals,” the minister said. He pointed out that more than two million Pakistanis continue to reside and work in the UAE.

**Background on deportations** Official figures shared in recent parliamentary sessions indicate broader trends. Over the past five years, approximately 164,788 Pakistanis were deported from various Gulf countries, with Saudi Arabia accounting for 108,029 and the UAE for 40,497.

The January-April 2026 figure of 3,494 from the UAE represents a specific quarterly count amid regional tensions. The minister described circulating reports of systematic victimisation as “mala fide propaganda” not supported by official complaints received by Pakistani missions.

**Opposition concerns** Raja Nasir Abbas raised the issue in the Senate, claiming many Pakistanis had been deported and their assets remained stuck in UAE banks. He alleged victimisation and said he possessed a list of around 2,000 Pakistanis allegedly deported forcibly. Several senators expressed worries about the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and the impact on remittances.

Chaudhry assured the house that the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, along with the Foreign Office, were monitoring the situation. He said no fresh data indicated forced deportations targeting Pakistanis on sectarian or political grounds.

**Pakistani community in UAE** Pakistanis form one of the largest expatriate communities in the UAE, with estimates ranging between 1.7 million and 1.94 million. They constitute a significant portion of the workforce in construction, transport, services, and small businesses. Dubai alone hosts around 400,000 Pakistanis.

Remittances from the UAE remain a vital part of Pakistan’s economy. In recent years, the UAE has consistently ranked among the top three sources of remittances, contributing substantially to foreign exchange reserves.

**Regional context** The deportations come against the backdrop of the ongoing Iran-US conflict that escalated earlier in 2026. The UAE implemented enhanced security and immigration reviews following incidents in the Gulf, including reported attacks and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

UAE authorities have maintained strict policies on residency violations, criminal records, and security clearances. Pakistani officials maintain that standard procedures are being applied uniformly to all nationalities.

**Government response** The federal government has established special courts for overseas Pakistanis’ property cases. Initiatives by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis include improved grievance redressal mechanisms and closer coordination with Gulf missions.

State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry has separately stated that Pakistan-UAE ties remain strong and dismissed reports of sectarian targeting.

**Economic implications** Deportations, while routine in the Gulf labour market, can affect household incomes in Pakistan. Remittances from Gulf countries form nearly 60 percent of total inflows. Any sustained increase in returns could add pressure on the domestic job market, particularly in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which supply large numbers of overseas workers.

However, officials emphasise that the overall Pakistani workforce in the UAE remains stable. Demand for skilled and semi-skilled Pakistani labour continues in various sectors despite periodic administrative actions.

**Strategic considerations** The episode highlights the importance of continuous diplomatic engagement with Gulf states. Pakistan maintains strong economic and defence ties with the UAE, which has been a key investor in Pakistan through various projects.

Analysts suggest that in a volatile regional environment, both countries benefit from clear communication channels to address labour and consular issues promptly. Future developments may include enhanced pre-departure orientation for workers and stronger bilateral labour agreements.

Pakistani missions in the UAE are expected to continue assisting affected nationals with legal and financial matters. The government has urged citizens abroad to comply with host country regulations while assuring support for legitimate grievances.

As regional dynamics evolve, the welfare of overseas Pakistanis will likely remain a priority in diplomatic engagements between Islamabad and Abu Dhabi. Further updates on the issue are expected in upcoming parliamentary sessions.