UAE Deports 3,500 Pakistanis Amid Crackdown on Social Media Posts During Iran-US Tensions

The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday that approximately 3,500 Pakistani nationals were deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for violating the country’s social media laws during the Iran-US conflict.

The UAE authorities acted in accordance with their internal laws and the actions were not restricted to Pakistani nationals, Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told the lawmakers during the Question Hour session.

The government of Pakistan was doing all it can to help those affected and their families through the relevant departments and diplomatic channels, he added.

UAE Deportation of Pakistanis Linked to Social Media Posts

The UAE is implementing local regulations related to online activity and social media content, the minister said, adding that the deportations were conducted in accordance with local laws. He stressed that all foreigners residing in the UAE must follow UAE laws, especially in times of significant regional and international events.

The revelation coincided with growing concerns among overseas Pakistanis about social media usage and legality in the Gulf countries.

No Pakistani Prisoners on Death Row in UK, Spain or Portugal

In response to MNA Samina Khalid Ghurki’s question, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry informed the assembly that the countries of the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal have abolished capital punishment and there are no Pakistani nationals on death row in those countries.

He said that the Pakistani embassies and consulates in these countries have introduced specific support sections for Pakistani nationals who are jailed in those countries. Regular visits to prisons, discussions with prisoners’ concerns, and provision of legal assistance to those who cannot afford it.

Nine Pakistani Prisoners Repatriated from UK

The minister also shared with the House that 9 Pakistani prisoners have been returned to Pakistan under a Prisoner Transfer Agreement with the United Kingdom in 2024 and 2025.

The deal remains in place to help move those who qualify to the other country to complete their sentences there, he added.

Government Monitoring Somali Pirate Hostage Cases

To answer the second question, Chaudhry stated that the government was trying to ensure the release of Pakistani nationals who were trapped because of incidents involving Somali pirates.

He said that his deputy, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, was personally monitoring the situation to ensure its resolution and to allow the safe repatriation of impacted citizens.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq asked the relevant authorities to pay particular attention to the issue.

Crackdown on Illegal Migration Networks

The minister also pointed to the rise in illegal migration, which has left many people dead, including those who have tried to cross Libya and some of the Gulf countries to reach Europe.

He further noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had issued stern instructions on officials involved in facilitating illegal migration. Due to this, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) dismissed about 100 officials for allegedly engaging in such activities.

The government once again pledged to fight against human smuggling gangs and prevent endangering Pakistani citizens through illegal migration.